E-Paper
Seven left in fray for Kauriram by-poll
SEVEN CANDIDATES remained in the fray for the Kauriram assembly by-election scheduled on March 25 after Hindu Yuva Vahini candidate Dhiraj Singh Harish and Independent Vipin Kumar Singh withdrew their nomination papers on the last day. The Election Commission office said symbols were allotted to all the candidates. Official party candidates were allotted party symbol and Independents other symbols like books, axe, cup and saucer and kite.
SEVEN CANDIDATES remained in the fray for the Kauriram assembly by-election scheduled on March 25 after Hindu Yuva Vahini candidate Dhiraj Singh Harish and Independent Vipin Kumar Singh withdrew their nomination papers on the last day.
The Election Commission office said symbols were allotted to all the candidates. Official party candidates were allotted party symbol and Independents other symbols like books, axe, cup and saucer and kite.
Vipin Kumar Singh told mediapersons that he was a primary member of the Bahujan Samaj Party and had withdrawn his nomination papers following a directive from the party leadership. Vipin Kumar’s father had filed a writ petition against the Kauriram result and the Supreme Court had declared the election null and void. This necessitated the by-poll. To a question, Vipin said he would remain aloof from political activities. However, he ruled out supporting the SP candidate. Dhiraj Singh Harish withdrew his nomination papers in support of BJP candidate Shital Pandey.
Talking to mediapersons, he said he withdrew as Shital Pandey was closely associated with his uncle and former Kauriram MLA the late Ravindra Singh.
Nevertheless, cracks surfaced in the BJP over the selection of the candidate.
Rebel BJP candidate Upendra Nath Shukla did not withdraw his nomination papers, though senior leaders tried to persuade him to do so.
He will contest the election as an Independent.
The BJP gave an authority letter to party MP Yogi Adityanath-supported candidate Shital Pandey at the last moment.
The contestants in the fray are SP candidate Rambhual Nishad, Congress candidate Shiv Shambhu Nishad, BJP candidate Shital Pandey, Purvanchal Kranti Parishad candidate Sanjayan Tripathi, independent candidate Upendra Dutt Shukla, Harinath and Radhey Shyam. Campaigning has picked up pace.
