Ban pre-poll surveys 6 months before elections, Mayawati writes to EC

Days after a news channel survey emerged claiming that the BJP shall win the most seats in the upcoming UP assembly polls, BSP chief Mayawati on Saturday demanded that pre-poll surveys by media and other agencies be banned six months before any elections. In a written letter to the Election Commission, she claimed that this was to ensure that they do not influence elections. Mayawati was addressing the 15th death anniversary of BSP founder and Dalit leader Kanshi Ram. Mayawati claimed that the people of Uttar Pradesh have decided on changing power in the state.

"Soon, a letter will be written to the Election Commission that surveys in the garb of business, by media organisations and other agencies be banned six months before the elections, so that the polls in the particular state are not influenced," she said.

"You know that when the Assembly elections in West Bengal were going on, surveys were showing that Mamata Banerjee was trailing, but when the results came, it was the opposite. Those who were dreaming of (gaining) power, their dreams were shattered, and Mamata (Banerjee) staged a comeback with a huge majority. Hence, you should not be misled by these surveys," the BSP chief said. She further alleged the BJP-led centre and UP government of using the state machinery to make the atmosphere in their favour.

"It is also known to everyone that when these tactics do not work, then that party (BJP) will eventually give the election a Hindu-Muslim colour, and try to take full political advantage in its garb. Elections have to be fought keeping this in mind," she said.

"There are small parties and organisations, which may contest the elections alone or jointly. Their job is not to win the polls, but to give advantage to the ruling party from behind the scene, to realise their own vested interest. Hence, people of these castes and communities should not come under the influence of these parties and organisations." Mayawati added, without taking names.

While Bhim army chief Chandrasekhar Azad would be part of the Bhagidari Sankalp Morcha as per Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) chief Om Prakash Rajbhar, AIMIM would be contesting in 100 seats in the state by tying up with Rajbhar-led SBSP and its Bhagidari Sankalp Morcha.