Parties cite social service for fielding 'tarnished' candidates

Mukesh Ranjan

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New Delhi, January 20

Political parties in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh have made a range of overriding reasons for fielding candidates having criminal antecedents, which include popularity, social activities, acceptability and the services provided to the downtrodden and weaker sections during the pandemic.

According to the guidelines issued by the Election Commission, political parties are required to state clearly the reasons for fielding candidates with criminal antecedents. In a fixed format, the parties are also needed to provide information as to why a particular candidate with criminal background has been given preference over the other.

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• Gyanendra, SP candidate from Agra (North), is said to ‘have done a lot of humanitarian work for the poor during the pandemic’
• BJP says Somendra Tomar, its candidate from Meerut South, is a ‘learned person and has a doctorate degree. He has been implicated in a case due to political rivalry’

Following the guidelines, the SP and BJP have furnished details of the candidates with criminal antecedents to the EC and placed them in public domain.

In the case of Gyanendra, a party candidate from Agra (North) constituency, the SP said he had done a lot of humanitarian work. “He has also rendered his services during the Covid pandemic, providing for the poor and backward people,” the party has mentioned in the form. The party, under the column “nature of offence”, has mentioned “criminal”.

Similarly, in the case of Mohd Adil, a candidate from Meerut South, the SP has said, “He has always worked for the betterment of society, like distributing blankets. His has a popular image. He helped the poor during the pandemic by arranging oxygen, beds and medicines in his locality.” Adil has two criminal cases registered against him, it said.

A close look at the details of more than 20 candidates provided by the SP reveal that the party, in general, has talked about their social service during the pandemic. The BJP has also furnished various reasons for fielding candidates with criminal backgrounds.