UP by-polls: Bhim Army Chief kick starts his election campaign

Bhim Army Chief Chandra Shekhar, who is in a mood to test electoral waters, started his campaign today in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr where he was greeted by a large number of people. Shekhar renewed his attack on the UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and alleged that the state govt can spark riots by shielding its mistakes.

Bulandshahr: Bhim Army Chief Chandra Shekhar launched his election campaign for the upcoming Uttar Pradesh by-elections by addressing a rally on Sunday in Bulandshahr in support of his candidate, Hazi Yamin. People gathered in large numbers and gave him a warm welcome with flowers and garlands at National Highway at Khatauli.

The rally will mark the electoral debut of the Bhim Army Chief which has emerged as a force to reckon with, especially among Dalits, in Uttar Pradesh. Chandra Shekhar's rally is slated to be held at Numaish grounds and is likely to draw around 20,000 supporters.

Talking to ETV Bharat, Bhim Army Chief said, "This is my first election rally and I expect that after my win, Bulandshahr will witness a change. In the coming times, people from all sections of society will be able to exercise their rights. UP government can trigger communal rites to cover up its mistakes and we need to remain alert."

Bhim Army activists have been involved in a door-to-door mobilization to garner support and ensure a massive turnout at the rally. The Bulandshahr seat was held by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Virendra Sirohi whose death in March has necessitated the by-election.

READ: Hathras Protest: Congress, Bhim Army workers clash in Chhattisgarh

The BJP has fielded Usha Sirohi, wife of the deceased MLA, while the Rashtriya Lok Dal-Samajwadi Party's joint candidate is Praveen Kumar. The Bahujan Samaj Party has fielded Shamusddin Raen, while the Congress candidate is Sushil Chaudhary.

The by-polls will be held on November 3 for seven seats. Chandra Shekhar has already announced that his party will plunge into politics with the name 'Azad Samaj Party', while Bhim Army will continue to work as a parallel outfit.

He had recently travelled to Bihar where he teamed up with Pappu Yadav's Jan Adhikar Party and was seen campaigning for the alliance.

Chandra Shekhar grabbed the limelight when he visited the family members of the Hathras victim and demanded 'Y level security' for them.

READ: Nitish govt preparing for polls ignoring people's need: Chandra Shekhar Aazad

With IANS inputs