Electioneering with python lands aspiring corporator in trouble

Varanasi, Oct 10 (UNI) Soliciting votes in local body polls with a live python capping his neck is likely to prove dear to Akhilesh Kumar Srivastava, an aspiring municipal corporator for Ranipur ward.

Uttar Pradesh wildlife authorities are contemplating stern action against the aspiring corporator, if his news-making style of electioneering with a live python is found violative of provisions of Wildlife Protection Act 1972.

Akhilesh, an independent candidate for the post of corporator to Varanasi Nagar Nigam's Ranipur ward, was canvassing support with a live python decorating his neck. The aspiring corporator, who swiftly shot into public spotlight due to this strange campaign style, also ended up drawing the attention of wildlife authorities.

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Kashi Range Alok Srivastava said here today after taking notice of bizarre electoral campaigning by the aspiring corporator, a team of forest department personnel was sent to his house to liberate the python. The team, however, failed to trace the big reptile.

''Such practice is illegal and punishable under the Wildlife Protection Act,'' he added.

Under the Wildlife Protection Act, python has been listed under Schedule I, that deals with rare and endangered species. Keeping such species in captivity is unlawful and any torture against the animal amounts to an offence.

The DFO further said taking swift note of the matter, Chief Wildlife Conservator of the state, Mohd A Hasan, has instructed the department to send a fact finding team to the aspiring corporator's house.

''The team which returned empty handed today will again make efforts to trace out the reptile and house it in a safe habitat.'' UNI ARS VS VD HS1756