No UP govt jobs for those involved in violent activities seeking ‘regime change’

UP govt has clarified, however, that political ideology alone cannot be a ground for declaring a candidate ineligible for a government job.LUCKNOW: The Uttar Pradesh government has tightened character verification rules for candidates selected for direct recruitment to government jobs, stating that those found involved in violent activities aimed at bringing about a “regime change” could be denied employment.The move comes amid a political controversy over calls for “regime change” during a recent protest.The government has, however, clarified that a candidate cannot be declared ineligible for a government job solely because of their political ideology.Nor will the mere registration of a first information report (FIR) or a pending investigation automatically disqualify an applicant, according to the order.The rules distinguish between political beliefs and involvement in violent activities. Authorities will have to consider the circumstances of a case rather than treat the existence of an FIR or an ongoing investigation as sufficient grounds to reject a candidate.The development comes amid an intensifying confrontation between the BJP-led government and opposition parties over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.The Congress and other INDIA bloc parties have alleged irregularities in the voter-list revision process and demanded accountability from the Election Commission.On October 12, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders led a ‘March for Democracy’ towards the Supreme Court. The opposition alliance is now set to hold a ‘Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao’ rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan on November 1.The rally is expected to focus on demands for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation and action over allegations of “vote theft”.