In Uttar Pradesh, the Election Commission has sought an explanation from Congress candidate Louise Khurshid in Farrukhabad district over reported statement of Union Minister for Law and Justice and Minorities Welfare, Salman Khurshid on the Muslim reservation.

AIR Lucknow correspondent reports that the Commission has sought explanation after some political parties raised the issue, alleging violation of the election model code of conduct by the Congress party.

Meanwhile, most of the major political parties including Congress, BJP and Samajwadi Party have intensified their campaigning for the forthcoming Assembly elections.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday addressed a public rally at Ballia and sharply criticised BSP, SP and BJP. He accused Chief Minister Mayawati of ill governance and said that the state government has failed to develop the state.

The state unit President of Samajwadi Party, Mr. Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday addressed election rallies at Naugarh, Shoratgarh and Itawa and targeted the BSP government for its corrupt practices.

Several senior BJP leaders have hectic schedule for campaigning. BSP Chief Mayawati has not yet announced her campaigning programme.

Samajwadi Party on Tuesday changed its two candidates from Chhaprauli in Baghpat and Purkazi constituencies in Muzaffarnagar district. Mr. Ramdas Athawale led Republican Party of India today released a list of 55 candidates for Assembly elections. The party has to contest on 250 of the 403 seats on its own.