UP polls: Mayawati releases list of BSP candidates on her birthday

LUCKNOW: With the ruling BSP bracing up for the forthcoming polls, chief minister Mayawati on her 56th birthday released a list of all 403 BSP candidates for UP Assembly elections.

BSP gave tickets to 88 SC candidates, 113 OBCs, 85 minorities, including Muslims and 117 upper castes including 74 Brahmins, among others.

While addressing party workers Mayawati said "The party has not organised any celebrations on my birthday this year as it could violate the model code of conduct. The party workers will be celebrating with their families," she said.

She also said that Election Commission (EC) should take decision on Congres symbol that is displayed in a Chandigarh park and RLD's symbol that has been put up with govt funds.

A programme was held at the party office in which workers and office bearers took part.

Mayawati's birthday celebrations in the past have been extravagant often courting controversy over the expenses incurred, active participation of bureaucrats and observance of the day as 'arthik sahyog diwas".

Last year, she had announced around 600 new projects on the occasion.

Mayawati is expected to start campaign in Uttaranchal on January 16 and later in Punjab.

In Uttar Pradesh, she will begin her electioneering later this month for the 55 constituencies going to polls in the first phase on February 8.