In Uttar Pradesh, on the first day of nominations for 1st phase of Assembly elections, two independent candidates filed their nomination from Barabanki and Shohratgarh constituencies.The Election process for Assembly polls had begun in the state with the issuance of notification today by the Governor BL Joshi.AIR Lucknow correspondent reports that in the first phase, 55 constituencies including 12 reserved ones, spread over 10 districts are going to polls. January 19 is the last date for nominations while voting will be held on February 8.Meanwhile the Bahujan Samaj Party today requested the Election Commission to reconsider its decision for draping the statues of BSP supremo Mayawati and its election symbol elephant.Mr. Satish Chandra Mishra, national general secretary of the party , has written a letter to the Chief Secretary of the state in this regard.After work of draping of statues of Mayawati and BSP election symbol elephant was completed, the parks in which they were installed in Lucknow have been closed for the public till the assembly polls get over. The statues of elephants atop pillars were left uncovered at all memorials.A case has been registered in Lucknow against Parliamentary Affairs Minister of the state Lalji Verma and BSP zonal coordinator MP Jugal Kishore for alleged violation of the model code of conduct. Both the leaders had held an election meeting without taking permission.