Congress, BJP now in UP battleground

New Delhi: The Battle for Uttar Pradesh has begun, officially. Springing a bit of a surprise the Election Commission has announced a seven phase poll schedule for UP beginning the April 7.

Reactions to the announcement have been mixed. The BJP says it can support the imposition of President's rule now that elections are announced. Meanwhile Chief minister Mulayam Singh welcomed the decision to announce the dates for polls.

“The Election Commission has announced the dates on time. We welcome the EC's decision. No one has ever been able predict a win in elections,” said Yadav.

He rubbished allegations that the law and order situation in the state had worsened during his regime and alleged it was part of a disinformation campaign launched by Congress and BJP. “BJP, Congress and BSP have joined hands against SP. Pulling out of the ruling UPA has become inevitable for Samajwadi party,” said Mulayam.

When asked to comment on the poll schedule announced by the Election Commission Mulayam said, "It is true that staggering the polls in seven phases will pose some problems for the parties, officials as also the electorate."

Congress leaders said the party is confident of securing a majority in UP this time. Spokesperson Jayanti Natarajan said, “the party will come out very well in these elections. Congress will make a comeback in the coming Assembly elections. Others have no idea about the ground realities. We'll show a creditable performance.”

The polls have raised the question whether President rule would be imposed in the state—as being pitched by both Congress and BJP.

Congress is still pressing ahead to dislodge Mulayam’s government in UP. A final decision is expected by after the senior party leaders meet with the PM.

BJP leader BJP's Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said the party still insists the imposition of president's rule during the elections.

“BJP is ready for the UP elections. It would have been better if the elections were carried out under president rule. I think Congress party has maintained a confusing stand on the issue,”

Commenting on whether the party will still push for president’s rule he said, “It is upto the central government. The senior party leaders will see the constitutional position and decide the course of events now.”