UP Opposition threatens agitation against indirect elections

Lucknow, Feb 15 (PTI) Accusing the Uttar Pradeshgovernment of damaging democratic institutions, oppositionparties today announced that they would launch an agitationagainst indirect elections of mayors and chairmen in urbanlocal bodies.

"Indirect elections of mayors and chairmen is anti-peopleand the bill tabled by the government is against the spirit ofthe Constitution," state president of Rashtriya Lok Dal BabaHardev Singh told reporters.

He alleged that such an amendment in the municipal actwould lead to horse-trading and dominance of money power inthe urban local bodies elections.

"The party will submit a memorandum to the Governor andlaunch an agitation after a meeting of office-bearers to beaddressed by party chief Ajit Singh on February 17," Singhsaid.

BJP state president Surya Pratap Shahi said the partywill launch an agitation against the government''s move fromFebruary 17.

"Demonstrations and protests will be held in alldistricts and cities in which copies of the bill will betorched," he said.

Shahi alleged that the state government''s move aimed toend democratic system in municipal corporations, nagar palikasand panchayats.

Congress state president Reeta Bahuguna Joshi said theparty would strongly resist the government''s move and will notlet BSP''s "fascist intentions" to take shape.

The state government had yesterday tabled a bill in theAssembly proposing indirect election of mayors and chairmen bycorporators.