Signalling a rift within the INDIA bloc forward of the Lok Sabha elections, each the Samajwadi Party and Apna Dal (Kamerawadi) fielded candidatures for Uttar Pradesh’s Mirzapur Lok Sabha seat.
Earlier, on Wednesday, the SP introduced the names of candidates for six extra seats within the state.
However, baring disunity within the Opposition camp, each the Apna Dal (Okay) and the SP introduced candidates for Mirzapur.
On the excitement of a rift, a supply within the Samajwadi Party stated no prior discussions have been held with the Apna dal (Okay) concerning Lok Sabha candidates in Uttar Pradesh.
“Since they have fielded candidates from these seats, it would mean that they are not part of the INDIA bloc,” the supply stated.
However, countering the SP’s declare, Apna Dal (Okay) president Krishna Patel stated, “A seat-sharing formula was on the table, awaiting clearance. We had informed leaders in the INDIA bloc that we will contest the Mirzapur, Phulpur and Kaushambi Lok Sabha seats. However, they did not reach back to us. Hence, today, we announced our candidates for these (three) seats.”
The variations between the SP and the Apna Dal got here to the fore after a sitting legislator with the latter allegedly voting in favour for SP candidate Ramji Lal Suman throughout the Rajya Sabha elections.
Earlier, Uttar Pradesh chief electoral officer Navdeep Rinwa held a gathering with representatives of all events on Monday, informing them of the rules issued by the Election Commission for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
The high polling officer within the state issued the directives, as per which all contesting events must search prior permission from the ED for holding rallies and processions whereas there can be a cap of Rs 95 lakh on campaign-related bills for Lok Sabha polls and Rs 40 lakh for meeting elections.
The Lok Sabha elections 2024 can be held throughout seven phases, beginning April 19.
The counting of votes has been scheduled for June 4.
