Opposition bristles as UP tightens rules for protests ahead of election

After the SP agitation,the Congress and BJP came out with their own programme of rallies

While the UP government has underlined that its guidelines on holding rallies and demonstrations are nothing out of the ordinary,and in line with court orders,the move appears to have been prompted by the growing number of protests ahead of the Assembly polls.

Sources said the subject was discussed at a meeting held by CM Mayawati soon after statewide demonstrations by the Samajwadi Party on March 7,8 and 9 against the goverment. After the SP agitation,the Congress and BJP came out with their own programme of rallies. In the meantime,Anna Hazare selected UP as his first destination for

seeking peoples support to fight against corruption, a source in the government said,explaining the background for the guidelines.

Opposition leaders see the new rules as a major hurdle in organisation of protests. The Wednesday order states that no dharna,procession,rally or protest programme can be organised without prior permission from the authorities,including an undertaking that they would maintain peace and not damage public property or disrupt traffic and public services.

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What has them particularly worried is that the new format requires the name of the organiser,his address,phone number,and a personal undertaking holding him/her accountable for a peaceful programme.

Parties say it would be difficult to find anyone willing to undertake responsibility. None would be ready to take total responsibility to ensure peaceful protests, said a RLD MLA,noting that demonstrations can easily get out of hand.

To ensure compliance,the state has also laid down that officials,right from the SHOs to IGs and ADM to Commissioner,could face withholding of salary increment,demotion,suspension or dismissal if they do not ensure order at the rallies.

The Opposition fears administration may also get back by allotting them sites for protest far away from public places.