NEW DELHI, 29 October 2006 — Ahead of Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections early next year, parties in the race are pondering their political future. They expect the results of an urban local body election in the state to help them get an indication of how their parties would fare in the assembly election.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is already feeling uncomfortable about its ratings. Secret surveys have indicated that the party may not even secure 50 seats in the 403-member house. Currently it has 82 members in the house.

While the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is expected to emerge as the single largest party, the ruling Samajwadi Party (SP) is likely to finish a “close second.” This also implies that Congress still does not count in Uttar Pradesh politics. Not surprisingly, young Congress “leader” Rahul Gandhi is visiting the United Nations to learn some diplomatic lessons rather than test his political mettle in the dusty plains of Uttar Pradesh.

Unwilling to question Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on the “responsibility” she has entrusted to Rahul, party leader Ajit Jogi said: “I think Soniaji wants him to take care of his responsibility as an MP (member of Parliament) first before he takes on party posts. He is doing it well.”

Municipal council elections were held yesterday in 56 districts, with more than 9 million eligible voters. Though polling was largely peaceful, instances violence were reported from a few areas.

Clashes broke out between the ruling SP and BJP supporters at Aliganj in Etah district. Bogus voting by supporters of a candidate of the ruling party led to these disturbances, police sources in Lucknow said. Two BJP members, including the district BJP president, were injured in the clash.

When an angry mob torched two police vehicles, police fired in the air to disperse them. Election to Sheikh Nagar ward was canceled, as the ballot paper did not carry poll symbol of one of the contestants. Election there would now be held on Nov. 3. Twenty-six fake voters, including nine women, were arrested in Pratapgarh district. While the second phase of election to municipal corporations will be held Oct. 31, the third phase for the election of mayors would be held Nov. 3. Counting of votes will take place Nov. 6.

To ensure a free and fair polling, 30 companies of central forces together with 100 of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and 85,000 home guards along with district police have been deployed.