It's now 'marriage alliance' for votes in UP

In a bizarre appeal, the husband of a civic poll candidate in Uttar Pradesh has promised to find a girl for every boy in the locality if his wife is victorious.

Shamim Ahmed, a doctor, made the offer to voters of Mubarakpur municipality in Azamgarh district.

Ahmed's wife is contesting for the post of chairman as an independent candidate.

".....I will ask the people to vote for my wife...I will make sure that these boys get girls when they grow up," Ahmed said when asked if he would like to make an appeal to the electorate.

Ahmed was flanked by children and teenagers when he made the remark. Ahmed has been the chairman of Mubarakpur municipality three times.

But he was on the backfoot after the video containing his remarks went viral on social media.

The district administration, taking serious exception to Ahmed's statement, lodged a case. Officials said that an investigation has been initiated.

A source said that Ahmed, who owns a hospital in Mubarakpur, is facing allegations of corruption that pertains to his tenure as chairman.

The Opposition has demanded his immediate arrest. Ahmed, however, denied all allegations and claimed that his remarks were twisted out of context.