The campaigning for the upcoming Uttar Pradesh assembly election is becoming dirtier as the polling day nears. The chief electoral office of the state had seized nearly Rs 31 crore and more than 2 lakh litres of liquor throughout the state with just days remaining for the first phase of the elctions to begin.
The poll regulator had also ordered the state authorities to cancel licences of or seize approximately 3.7 lakh weapons, in the state.  It had also got13.5 lakh history-sheeters and other tainted persons across the state to sign a bond, according to which they have to abide by all the rules and regulations of the state. According to the sources, this figure might double till the assembly election gets over in the state.

The joint chief electoral officer Anita Meshram, revealed that every possible step is being taken to conduct free and fair polls across the state. Ms Meshram further said that they were taking initiatives to curb corrupt leaders and their supporters during assembly election campaigning. “We are keeping a close watch on those leaders who try to woo voters via various financial and other favors,” she said.

In the poll bound state, all the political parties and their candidates are trying every trick in the book to woo voters. According to sources, a few candidates in the state are looking for filmstars to headline their election campaign, but this requires lot of money which they cannot pay without arousing suspicion. However, the election commission is closely monitoring the activities of these candidates. Money and liquor is flowing in the state. Despite its best efforts, sources say, the election office may only be able to curb the illegal activities up to a certain limit. According to many political analysts, these elections are a ‘do or die’ for many high profile political leaders and their respective parties. So, possibly, huge amounts of money and the threat of muscle might potentially be used in the upcoming assembly elections.