Imam Bukhari-led UDF asks President's rule in UP

Allahabad, Nov 4: The Delhi Jama Masjit's Shahi Imam Maulana Syed Ahmad Bukhari-led United Democratic Front (UDF) today demanded the imposition of President's Rule in Uttar Pradesh for ensuring a ''free and fair'' assembly election next year.

Talking to newsmen here, UDF Parliamentary Board chairman Mahboob Ahmad alleged large scale rigging in the recently concluded election of local bodies. ''The administration fully supported and connived in the rigging of civic election to tilt the poll result in favour of the ruling Samajwadi Party candidates.'' He reminded the 2007 UP assembly election was due in near future and to prevent such rigging, it was imperative on all ''democracy loving people and political parties'' to unite and impress upon the central government to impose President's Rule in the state.

''In the recently-held local bodies election, the UP government failed to act in accordance with law as ordained by the Constitution of India, in holding a fair election.'' Mr Ahmad said a united movement of all opposition parties and the people at large was need of the hour, seeking imposition of President's rule in UP to save democracy.

''In counting of votes, the same malpractice may be repeated.'' He warned the administration that the days of the present regime were numbered and for the sake of democrcy, it must act fairly and fearlessly, ensuring at the time of counting, MPs, MLAs and their goons were not allowed in the counting hall ''so that the counting may be accomplished without any pressure and threat.'' Meanwhile, Mr Ahmad announced that Imam Bukhari has appointed Rajiv Agrawal as UDF's national general secretary.

UNI

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