The Times of India News Service

KANPUR: The Bahujan Samaj Party has intensified the selection process of the candidates for the forthcoming assembly elections in the state. The names of BSP candidates from all the assembly constituencies of Kanpur Dehat have already been finalised and now the screening of the ticket contenders was going on for Kanpur City.

Each candidate selected for the assembly segments has been asked to deposit Rs 50,000 towards party funds. BSP leader Mayawati has instructed party office bearers to kick off the election campaign in their respective areas in view of the forthcoming polls. Ms Mayawati has finalised the names of Rajaram Pal, Bhagwati Prasad Sagar, K P Singh and Ram Awtar Pal for the Ghatampur, Billhaur, Cheubeypur and Derapur assembly constituencies respectively.

Besides, about a dozen party workers have staked claim for tickets to the seven assembly constituencies of Kanpur City. Party sources said that party leader Mayawati was screening the names of these candidates for various assembly segments. Party sources also disclosed that the main reason behind the delay in the selection of party candidates in city was the reluctance of ticket seekers to deposit the stipulated amount towards party funds.

In party circles, the BSP base was understood to be very strong in Kanpur Dehat. However, the BSP was yet to strengthen its base in the city. Sources said that in view of this, there was a mad rush for ticket seekers for the Kanpur Dehat constituencies. Various claimants had already deposited the stated amount towards party funds. On the other hand, very few party activists were seeking tickets for the City constituencies. Even the handful of ticket seekers were not ready to deposit the money, fearful of dim prospects at the ensuing assembly elections.