Political scene getting warmer in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh

Ghazipur/Ayodhya/Azamgarh/Mathura, Jan 18 (ANI): With candidates intensifying their mass outreach campaigns, Uttar Pradesh is on the edge, bracing for an intense political battle royal ahead of upcoming assembly polls.

With the election date right around the corner, many independent candidates are also jumping into the political bandwagon, hoping for a victory in what is expected to be a closely contested fight.

Seeking to showcase his political 'horsepower,' an independent candidate, Satyadev Yadav, took to the streets of the Ghazipur, riding on a pony.

Though Yadav's unique campaign grabbed maximum eyeballs along the streets, he remained hopeful that the attention would translate into votes.

"Here, it is only the words of the leaders and ministers that counts. All political parties have given tickets only to the forwards. The national parties have not give election tickets to anyone from the minority and backward communities. These people face lot of atrocities. I have filled my nomination form and will contest the elections on this issue," Yadav said.

Even the transgender community is seeking to take a bite out of the political pie of Uttar Pradesh.

Eyeing a win in the polls, a transgender, Gulshan Bindu, also carried out a fiery campaign in the Ayodhya, flanked by hundreds of supporters.

Taking on her rivals, Bindu asserted working for development was her only agenda behind entering politics.

"I have sworn on my deity that I will work for the development of Ayodhya assembly constituency. I will work for the development of the area. I do not want to talk ill about any political leader. I appeal to all candidates and leaders to also work towards development, but even if they don't, I assure you that the eunuch community has made up its mind to give their all in the betterment of the area," said Bindu.

The star of Bindu's highly charged road show remained noted transgender activist Laxmi Narayan Tripathi, who recently appeared in a reality show "Bigg Boss".

Extending support to Bindu's cause, Tripathi urged the people of Ayodhya to vote for her 'sister.'

"I appeal to the city of Ayodhya to at least give one chance to our sister and make her win the polls. We will give our best in ensuring her victory. I want Bindu to make a name for herself in the political arena, just as I have in the social sphere. She will really work hard in politics. All transgender of India are with Bindu in her fight," said Tripathi.

Meanwhile, lashing out at state Chief Minister Mayawati, former BSP lawmaker Ram Krishna Yadav expressed his displeasure with the manner in which the party was being run.

"Mayawati's party has emerged as a pick-pocketer's party. They have no other objective other than to make money from people. They are neither concerned with the problems of the country, nor the concerns of the masses. They also have no set ideology. That is why, a woman hailing from such a poor background has acquired millions. Where has all this money come from?" Yadav said in Azamgarh.

Meanwhile, political mercury also rose in Mathura after a complaint was filed in a local police station against a candidate of the Rashtriya Lok Dal, Tejpal Singh, for alleged violation of poll norms.

Singh has been accused of violating the moral code of conduct by pasting political posters ahead of the elections.

Crying foul, an irate Singh alleged that the local administration was working under the directions of the state government, and claimed to be a victim of conspiracy.

"See, the administration of Chhata area is working under the pressure of the government. Due to this, we have no hope that this administration would be able to conduct free and fair elections," said Singh.

Polls in Uttar Pradesh are to be conducted in seven phases between February 8 and March 3. The counting of votes would take place on March 6.

Uttar Pradesh will elect a new 403-member state assembly in March, and the poll results are expected to broadly indicate trends for 2014 general elections. (ANI)