Poll panel orders extra security for Hema, Nagma

Actor-turned-politician Hema Malini and Nagma contesting the Lok Sabha election from Uttar Pradesh, will be given special police protection, officials said Saturday.

Congress candidate Nagma contesting for Meerut seat, has been subjected to teasing on at least three occasions. Yesteryear 'dream girl' fighting on a BJP ticket from Mathura constituency, has also been facing trouble as people are trying to get scaringly close to her during the campaign, an official told IANS.

The decision to increase the security cover to the two film stars along with BJP leader Uma Bharti, contesting from Jhansi Lok Sabha constituency, was taken at a meeting between the Election Commission and senior police officials, ahead of the April 10 polls for Uttar Pradesh's 10 Lok Sabha seats.

Instructions have also been issued to provide extra security to Begum Noor Bano, Congress candidate from Moradabad.

Umesh Sinha, chief electoral officer told IANS that while security for all women and film star candidates has been increased, instructions have been issued to all the district authorities to book mischievous elements and take strict action against those who try to disturb the election process.

"The poll panel wants a peaceful elections, where people cast their votes in large numbers freely and fairly," Sinha said.