SP picks kin of senior leaders for bypoll

Mohammed Ashraf, brother of another party MP Atiq Ahmed, is contesting from Allahabad-West, while senior SP legislator Ghanshyam Shukla’s wife, Nandita, has been fielded from Mujhaina.

‘‘We have taken special care to ensure victory of our candidates during the forthcoming bypolls. Winnability is the only criteria adopted in selection of the candidates. The party is taking the bypolls very seriously and will make an attempt to grab the maximum seats,’’ said Shivpal, Mulayam’s brother and State PWD Minister.

The Chief Minister has also been careful not to antagonise his ally, Rashtriya Lok Dal leader Ajit Singh, despite reports of the latter’s attempts to find a place in the UPA Government. Mulayam has spared the Iglas and Baghra Assembly seats for the RLD and, sources say, Ajit’s sister, Gyanwati, and Irrigation Minister Anuradha Chaudhary are likely to be fielded.

RLD sources say Anuradha Chaudhary has become an MP but she is unwilling to leave her ministerial chair. She would have to seek a re-election to the state Assembly, if she wants to retain her ministerial berth.

The Congress, meanwhile, has decided to use all its strength to improve its seat tally during the forthcoming elections. ‘‘We have already decided to lodge a complaint with the Election Commission in view of our inputs that the official machinery will be misused to ensure victory for SP nominees,’’ said Congress’ UP in-charge Satyavrat Chaturvedi.