As campaigning ends on Monday for phase one of voting in the Uttar Pradesh elections on February 8, at least three or more candidates from major political parties have criminal cases against them, according to election watchdog, Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR).
An ADR analysis of affidavits showed that 36 per cent of the constituencies in phase 1 and 2 were ‘red alert' constituencies – they have three or more candidates from major parties with declared criminal cases. They include candidates from Peace Party, Janata Dal (United), Samajwadi Party, Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party and Bahujan Samaj Party. The presence of such candidates gives voters a limited choice, ADR said a release.
Meanwhile, the 200-km-long Indo-Nepal border along three districts was sealed on Tuesday to prevent movement of anti-social elements, agency reports said.
“The border along Bahraich, Shravasti and Balrampur districts, which will go to polls on February 8, was sealed on Monday,” SSB Commandant, Mr Manvendra Singh Negi, said in Bharaich.