Despite election dates, UP Opposition pitches for president rule

Lucknow, Feb 21 (UNI) Even as the Election Commission announced the Uttar Pradesh assembly poll schedule starting April 7, the main opposition parties comprising BJP, BSP and the Congress have pitched in for Centre's rule in the state.

''Fair and free poll is not possible under the present regime of Mulayam Singh Yadav,'' BJP leader of the legislature party Lalji Tandon said.

He said the CEC had an onerous task to conduct fair and free poll, which, according to BJP, was not possible under the ruling dispensation. ''The centre should impose President's rule in the state for smooth conduct of the seven phase UP polling.'' BJP's view were supported by Congress and BSP too.

UP Congress vice-president in charge of organisation Satyadev Tripathi told UNI that his party still demanded President's rule in UP. ''With the announcement of election dates, the misinformation campaign launched by SP leader Amar Singh has come to an end. His claim that Congress wanted to conduct Presidental elections without an electoral college from UP has fallen flat...His lie stands exposed,'' he added.

BSP general secretary Satish Chandra Mishra said despite election dates, it was necessary to impose President's Rule. ''President's Rule will ensure more transparency is maintained in the democratic exercise.'' Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) leader Anil Dubey expressed similar sentiments and also demanded a ban on pre-poll surveys.

Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) state unit president Dr Ramesh Dikshit said seven phases of assembly poll would ensure that the democratic exercise is held in the most free and fair manner.

UNI