Friday, September 15 2006 15:09 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Lucknow: With the Election Commission making clear that the next assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh would take place before May, political parties have got down to the task of choosing candidates for the electoral battle.

The exercise for selection of candidates has already begun in Congress and BJP.

Ruling Samajwadi Party (SP) President Mulayam Singh Yadav has directed party workers to form booth committees and fan out to villages to apprise the people of various welfare measures taken by the state government.

Yadav has virtually launched his party's election campiagn at various functions being held in different parts of the state for distribution of unemployment allowance, money for girls education and distribution of sarees to over a crore women living below poverty line.

The Opposition parties have criticised Yadav for what they allege converting a government function into a party rally.

BJP has already prepared a tentaive list of candidates for a majority of seats, said party veteran and Leader of the Opposition Lalji Tandon.

He said women and youths would be given preference while selecting the candidates.

The party has also launched its poll preparations by forming booth committees and chalking out visits to different parts of the state by its senior leaders.