BJP accuses Samajwadi Party of casteist politics

LUCKNOW: BJP today hit out at the Samajwadi Party for giving maximum number of tickets to a particular caste for the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council polls, saying it proved that the ruling party was practicing "casteist politics".

"Of a total 31 candidates declared by SP, 16 are of a particular caste. This is enough to prove casteist politics played by the ruling party. Is this 'samajwadi' (socialism) in which only a particular caste gets benefit," BJP's state spokesperson Harischandra Srivastava said.

By going through the candidate list, it is proved that the controversial ones and those having money and muscle power are being selected by the party, he said.

"How can law and order of the state improve if such elements get ticket for elections," Srivastava added.

The SP had declared candidates for 31 seats for the state Legislative Council election to be held on March 3, with aspirants from the Yadav community getting the lion's share.

The party gave tickets to 16 Yadavs, four Muslims and one Brahmin candidate besides others.