BJP distances itself from crime-tainted candidates fielded by allies

New Delhi, Mar 29 (UNI) The BJP today dismissed allegations that it had pressurised its allies in Uttar Pradesh to accommodate ''crime-tainted'' candidates in the coming Assembly elections.

Asked about the Janata Dal (United) accomodating two of the known associates of BJP President Rajnath Singh, party Spokesman Ravi Shankar Prasad said the BJP had nothing to do with selection of candidates of its allies.

Mr Prasad's clarification came in the wake of media reports alleging that Mr Kharag Singh, who once was personal assistant to the BJP president, had been accommodated by the JD (U) in the Sagri Assembly segment in Azamgarh at the instance of Mr Singh.

The other candidate, who is said to have been accommodated, is Mr Dhananjay Singh, a candidate with criminal background fielded from Rari in Jaunpur, sources alleged.

Since the BJP has taken a principled stand not to field any candidate with criminal background, sources feel that the party did not announce these two names.

UNI