Muscle, money power rule elections in UP

Elections are more about criminals and big money - at least in Uttar Pradesh, where as many as 49 candidates with criminal antecedents and 66 millionaires are flexing their muscles in the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections.

Elections are more about criminals and big money - at least in Uttar Pradesh, where as many as 49 candidates with criminal antecedents and 66 millionaires are flexing their muscles in the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections.

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Of 314 candidates in fray in the fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections covering 18 constituencies of the state, which will go to poll on May 7, as many as 49 have criminals cases pending against them.

Of these maximum seven candidates have been fielded by the ruling BSP, closely followed by its arch rival SP having four such candidates and three each by the Congress and the BJP.

This phase, however, is different from previous three phases as this time a woman candidate tops the list of strongman in the fray.

Rajjo Devi, the CPM nominee from Ferozabad Parliamentary Constituency, who has seven cases to her "discredit" leads the pack of candidates with criminal background.

As per the figures released by UP Election Watch, which is quoting the affidavits submitted
by the candidates with the Election Commission, Rajjo Devi has seven cases lodged against her including those of attempt to murder, Gangster Act, rioting and possession of arms.