Congress joins forces with Bollywood to lure voters in UP

Congress leader Rajeev Shukla hit the campaign trail in Uttar Pradesh with Bollywood actress Raveena Tandon in a bid to garner votes.

Addressing a rally here, Shukla slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) for not doing enough to improve infrastructure and social care in the state.

"Voters in Uttar Pradesh have given a chance to almost all parties including the BJP and the BSP. You people have wasted 22 years of the state and have suffered as a result. The people of Uttar Pradesh have been deprived of transportation, education and health services," said Shukla.

Bringing a touch of glamour to the political battle, Raveena Tandon urged voters to carefully consider who they would cast their ballots for.

"I am here to say that you people have the key to a better future by casting your vote for the right party. Your vote is very precious to the state. If you want to improve the condition of your houses, families and village, it is time you vote for change in these assembly elections. I ask you to vote for the right candidate and analyse his strengths and weaknesses," she added.

The polls in Uttar Pradesh are being viewed as an opportunity for major parties to re-establish their foothold in the country's fifth largest and most populous state.

A new 403-member state assembly will be elected in March. The poll results will broadly indicate trends for the 2014 general elections.