RLD to contest 80 seats in UP polls; promises free power to farmers

Jaunpur, Jan 5 (UNI) Ahead of the coming assembly polls, the main coalition partner in the Samajwadi Party-led Uttar Pradesh government -- Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) today announced that it would contest 80 seats in the state.

Besides, the party also promised free electricity to farmers and students, if it formed the next government in UP.

Talking to mediapersons here, RLD state unit chief general secretary Sanjay Singh said party chief Ajit Singh was deliberating on the issue of forming a poll alliance.

Mr Sanjay Singh maintained the issue of development would hold the centrestage in the coming elections.

''Farmers and labourers in the country, including UP, are most neglected, although agriculture forms the backbone of our economy,'' he lamented.

He maintained that India could not develop unless the lot of farmers and labourers is ameliorated.

''Some political parties are harping on religion and caste-based issues, but RLD will not raise these issues to woo voters,'' Mr Singh claimed.

The party leader further appealed to people to vote by rising above caste and religion lines.

UNI