Nomination of members to UP Legislative Council to take time

The nomination of nine members for Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council might take more time with Rajbhawan examining affidavits of the candidates' list submitted by the state government.
Rajbhawan had sought details of the candidates from the state government but it had given affidavits of individuals instead of details. Now these affidavits would be examined prior to taking any decision, Rajbhawan sources said today.
The Governor in a letter to the Chief Minister last week had elicited information on three points with regard to the nine names recommended for nomination to the upper house.
He had sought information about the criminal history, if any, of the candidates or whether any case is pending against them, besides if any of them is a bank defaulter.

The Governor had also sought detailed information about the areas of art, literature or social service in which these nine candidates have made important contribution as these seats in the nominated members' category are meant for apolitical people making significant contribution in these areas.
Chief Minister Akhilesh Akhilesh Yadav had on June 2 met the Governor and discussed the matter as Rajbhawan had been receiving a number of complaints against the list sent by the Samajwadi Party government for nomination as MLCs.

The list of names for nomination to the 100-member upper house included Jitendra Yadav, a close relative of Lalu Yadav, SRS Yadav, office secretary of the Samajwadi Party, former student leader Rajpal Kashyap and SP leader Leelavati Khushwaha, party leaders Ranvijay Singh, Kamlesh Pathak, Ram Vraksh Yadav and Abdul Sarfaraz Khan.

A name that has raised eyebrows is that of prominent builder Sanjay Seth, who is known for his proximity to those occupying important positions in the echelons of power.
The nine seats fell vacant on May 25 as the term of members nominated by then BSP government expired. The members are Kamlakant Gautam, Gopal Narain Mishra, Naushad Ali, M L Tomar, Meghraj Singh, Ramchandra Singh Pradhan, Vinay Shakya, Banwari Singh Yadav and Shivbodh Ram.