BSP finalises candidates for 2012 UP polls

The ruling Bahujan Samaj Party has finalised its list of candidates for a number of constituencies for the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections slated to be held in 2012.

"After the approval of the party supremo and Chief Minister Mayawati, names of candidates for various assembly seats, including seven in Lucknow district, have been finalised," BSP sources said.

UP Health Minister Anant Kumar Mishra alias Antu Mishra, who won from Farukkhabad constituency in the last assembly elections, will contest from Lucknow (north) this time.

Similarly Urban Development Minister Nakul Dubey, who won from Mahona constituency in Lucknow, will now contest from Bakshi Ka Talab seat. The decision to field Dubey from Bakshi ka Talab has been taken as Mohana assembly seat had been scrapped during delimitation exercise. Former zilla panchayat chairman Pushpa Rawat has been named as a candidate from Mohalalganj, whereas KK Sachan will contest from Lucknow (east).

Former Samajwadi Party leader Fakir Siddiqui, who joined the BSP during Lok Sabha polls, will contest from Lucknow (central), Doctor Shaheed from Lucknow (west) and Siddharth Shankar will be the party candidate from Malihabad. Namrata Pathak, wife of Rajya Sabha member Brijesh Pathak, will contest from Unnao Sadar seat, whereas member of Legislative Assembly from Sarojini Nagar Mohammed Irshad Khan will be the candidate from Bangarmau seat in Unnao district.

The party has announced name of Narendra Lodhi as its nominee from Purwa and Ram Badan Kuril from Shafipur, both in Unnao.