SP to release first list of candidates by Nov-end

The Samajwadi Party has initiated the process to select its candidates for the 2022 UP assembly polls and the first list of candidates is expected to be released by November-end.

At present, there were 48 MLAs of SP in the Vidhan Sabha but after one MLA switched to the Bharatiya Janata Party it is left with 47 legislators in the UP assembly.

A senior SP leader said that the party had received around 2,000 applications for tickets to contest assembly polls on seats except those of the sitting legislators.

“At present, a list of top 10 contenders in each assembly constituency is being prepared on the basis of survey and feedback received from various levels and caste equations. In the first phase, candidates will be announced for about 100 constituencies, including 30 sitting MLAs,” the leader said.

SP chief spokesperson Rajendra Chaudhary said in Lucknow on Wednesday that the Samajwadi Party was processing the names of candidates and they would be announced much before the election process started.

The SP brass has set parameters to identify the top 10 contenders from each constituency. In constituencies where the number of applicants is less, the top three names are being identified. While making the list preference is being given to those having a clean image, excellent academic and political career.

“Based on these parameters, the party high command will brainstorm on the names of the candidates. After that the final list will be prepared,” said the SP spokesman.

Sources in the Samajwadi Party said, “Except for the 47 seats where the party has sitting MLAs, applications have been sought from aspirants on all other seats. More than 30 people have applied in most assembly seats. In 15 constituencies of Purvanchal, 60 to 80 applications have been received. Apart from these, those joining the party are also applying for tickets. So far around 2,000 applications have been received and of these about 600 applications are from women. There is also a proposal to deny tickets to some sitting members who are in touch with other political parties while constituencies of some sitting members could also be changed.”