UP elections: Congress leader booked for 'roadshow-like' rally in Moradabad
What's the story
The Uttar Pradesh Police have registered a case against Congress leader Rizwan Qureshi for violating election campaign-related rules in the state. Police said that Qureshi had taken permission for a door-to-door campaign but a "roadshow-like situation had emerged with people atop the car with him." Notably, roadshows and public rallies remain restricted in all poll-bound states due to COVID-19.
Context
Why does this story matter?
The case was filed on Thursday, the same day when the first phase of UP elections took place. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is looking to retain power while the Congress and other parties like SP are eyeing a comeback. Uttar Pradesh is holding elections in seven phases which will conclude on March 7 and results will be declared on March 10.
Details
BJP is scared, says Congress leader
Qureshi, a Congress candidate from Moradabad, was holding a rally along with party General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. He has slammed the BJP, asking why such cases have not been filed against their leaders. "It's not our fault if people welcome us with unconditional love during the door-to-door campaigns. BJP is scared, which is why this politics is happening," he said.
Similar cases
Akhilesh Yadav, other leaders also face cases
Last week, the UP Police had booked hundreds of people including Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Rashtriya Lok Dal president Jayant Chaudhary for allegedly violating COVID-19 norms. They had carried out a rally in Greater Noida. As per the latest rules from the Election Commission, parties can conduct physical public meetings with a maximum of 1,000 people.
Elections
Nearly 60% voter turnout in first phase of UP polls
On Thursday, voting for the first phase was held to elect legislators from 58 seats. More than two crore voters were eligible to participate in the polling. The phase, that covered the western UP region, witnessed a voter turnout of nearly 60%, according to the Election Commission. The next phase is due to be held on Monday, February 14.