BJP justifies inclusion of tainted Ministers in its fold

Moradabad (Uttar Pradesh), Jan 9 (ANI): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday justified the induction of allegedly tainted Uttar Pradesh Ministers in its fold, and said that the new leaders do not undermine the competence of the existing ones.

BJP spokesperson Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi reiterated the party's immense faith over the electoral candidates to perform exceptionally well in the up coming assembly polls.

"At the time of elections, many leaders keep shifting from one party to another but that does not mean at all that we or people have lost faith in our faithful, loyal or strong leaders or we have any doubt on their capabilities," said Naqvi.

Kushwaha, a prominent backward caste leader from Uttar Pradesh, was inducted in BJP last Tuesday with an eye on the assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh.

However, it kicked up a storm of protests with many in the party voicing unhappiness over his alleged involvement in the National Rural Health Mission fund scam in the state.

Several senior leaders of BJP including LK Advani and Sushma Swaraj had also opposed his induction in the party.

Kushwaha was earlier, expelled by Chief Minister Mayawati following allegations of corruption in the government's National Rural Health Mission (NRHM).

Naqvi further said that BJP is in the favour of fair elections and wants the election body to take stringent measures against people, who have been using money and power for manipulation.

"We want fair and fearless elections to be conducted in Uttar Pradesh. We are in favour complying with the guidelines of the election process but along with this we need to concentrate on parties and leaders who are trying their best to influence the elections by using money and power," he said.

The Election commission has issued strict guidelines to the state police to keep strict vigil over transfer of money and suspected activities.

The Election Commission has announced the rescheduling of date for the first phase of polling in the upcoming Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh from February 4 to March 3.

The counting of votes in all five states - Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa, Manipur and Uttar Pradesh will be done on March 6.

The first phase of voting has been rescheduled to March 3 from February 4. This effectively makes the first phase of elections into the last phase of polling. (ANI)