Varanasi: An Independent candidate was
on Wednesday arrested while protesting against alleged harassment of
his supporters during the campaign for the November 7
by-elections to Kolasla assembly segment here.
Ajay Rai, a former minister who quit BJP during the Lok
Sabha elections, said that he was arrested while he
opposed alleged actions of some police officers who exerted
pressure on his supporters to work for nominee of ruling BSP.
DIG P C Meena said Rai was arrested along with his seven
supporters for obstructing government officials in their duty.
Rai claimed that he had informed the Election Commission
and poll observer in the constituency about the
"malpractices".
Rai had left the BJP during the last Lok Sabha elections
when he was not given party ticket from Varanasi constituency
and joined the SP. Later he quit the SP also.
Bureau Report
