BJP nominees for UP polls would be finalised by March 11

Allahabad, Mar 5 (UNI) The names of the BJP candidates for the U P Assembly election would be released on March 11 after a meeting of the party Parliamentary Board at Delhi.

UP BJP President Kesari Nath Tripathi told reporters here last evening that state level core committee meeting would take place at Lucknow on March 9 and 10. The parliamentary board will meet at Delhi on March 10 and 11 and the names of all the party candidates for the coming state assembly election would be announced on March 11. He said while ''deciding the candidature the wishes of the party workers would be honoured''.

In reply to a question, Mr Tripathi said that if sitting Members of Parliament desired to contest assembly elections, the party would consider it but no such direction have been given to anyone. He said three to four former MPs have desired to contest assembly election.

He said while allotting the ticket, the party would give preference to sitting MLAs but if there were complaints against any MLA he might be denied ticket. He said that those who had sensed that they were not not going to get ticket have already left the party.

In reply to another question, he said his party would give ticket to winning women and youths in this election.

Welcoming the judgement of Supreme Court for giving direction to CBI to conduct a preliminary investigation into the alleged disproportionate assetts of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav and his family members, Mr Tripathi said the CBI should present its report as soon as possible. He said ,'' we wanted an investigation by CBI and not by any other agency.'' He said the BJP had no ''soft corner ''for the Samajwadi Party and would be aggressive in the coming election against the SP.

His party may spare some seats to National Democratic Alliance partners including Janata Dal (U). He said'' corruption, decline in law and order situation, terrorism and the harassment of farmers'' would be the main issues of his party in the assembly election.

He demanded that the government officers who had ''political alignment'' with the ruling party including the director general of police and chief secretary must be removed from their respective posts.

When his attention was drawn towards the issuance of photo identity cards, Mr Tripathi said it was still ''incomplete ''and demanded ''action against those responsible for the delay.'' UNI