SP likely to deny tickets to three dozen MLAs

Looking for the winnable candidates in the 2017 assembly polls, the ruling Samajwadi Party could deny renomination to more than three dozen legislators, including some ministers.

Party sources said state president Shivpal Singh Yadav dropped hints to this effect at a meeting of the senior leaders here on Monday.

The sources said the SP had got an internal survey done at the local level to ascertain the winability of its legislators. “We will give tickets to only those who have a fair chance to win,” Shivpal told the leaders at the meeting.

He also warned that the people with criminal antecedents and tainted image would not be fielded.

“The survey revealed that around 45 legislators, including some ministers, may not retain their seats,” the sources added.

The sources also said some of the MLAs were suspected to have been in touch with the rival parties.

“The MLAs who feel that they may not get a re-nomination are in touch with our rivals,” a senior leader told Deccan Herald.

The sources said the party was likely to declare its nominees for all the 403 seats after the winter session of the Vidhan Sabha beginning later this month.

The SP has already declared its nominees from the 165 seats. They mostly included senior leaders.

The sources said the nominations of some candidates could be cancelled.

“There may be a rethinking on some candidates,” the leader added.

The SP had recently declared Amanmani Tripathi, who was arrested by the CBI on charges of killing his wife, as its nominee from Luxmipur Assembly seat in Maharajganj district.

Tripathi’s candidature will likely be cancelled following his arrest, sources said.