Showcause notice to Apna Dal chief

“He is contesting the election against me and I happen to be the legal candidate of Apna Dal. Patel is using the flag colour in posters and banners,which is illegal,” said Srivastava. A letter to the Election Commission has been sent highlighting Patel’s illegal usage of the party flag and misleading the voters. Patel said he would go to the Allahabad High Court against the decision of the Returning Officer. “It was a deep-rooted conspiracy to discourage me from contesting the election from Phoolpur but I would challenge the decision in the court,” said Patel.

Asked about using party’s flag,he said,“I am the national president of the party and have every right to use the flag. I have expelled Srivastava from the party and he is no longer a part of Apna Dal.” Reacting to his remark,Srivastava said: “Who is he to take the decision? The party’s executive committee will decide on the matter.” The party had initially announced Srivastava as its candidate and even allowed him to file the nomination papers with party’s symbol (cup-saucer) on March 31. Suddenly,jailed parliamentarian Atiq Ahmad,who was trying to get into the BSP,joined the Apna Dal. On his suggestion,Patel himself decided to contest from Phoolpur.

On ruling out Patel’s claim,Agrawal said: “Since Srivastava has first filed the papers and authorised symbol,it has been decided in his favour as per the rules and norms.”