UP CM meets Guv, clarifies on names for Legislative Council

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav today met Governor Ram Naik against the backdrop of question raised by him on the list of nine candidates for the Legislative Council in the nominated category.
This was the first meeting with the Governor after Yadav returned from his France tour on Sunday, an official spokesman said here.
The meeting assumed significance in the wake of questions posed by the Governor on the ruling Samajwadi Party's list of nine names.
The Governor in a letter to the CM 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 are meant for apolitical people making significant contribution in these areas.

Speculation is rife in the political circles that SP might make some changes in the list.
The names which could find place included expelled party leader Amar Singh's close associate and Bollywood actress Jaya Prada, Uday Pratap Singh and Shatrudra Prakash, SP sources said.

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.