Rajnath Singh files nomination from Lucknow

Soon after filing the papers, Singh, a former UP chief minister, told IANS that Lucknow was his home and he had full confidence that he will "get the love and support" of the people of the state capital.

Exuding confidence he also claimed a groundswell in BJP's favour and added that the country was on a threshold of change.

Lucknow will go to the polls April 30.

Rajnath Singh alleged that Congress was the "biggest communal party" in the country and added that after winning, he will try to fulfil the unfulfilled dreams of Vajpayee.

BSP has fielded former urban development minister Nakul Dubey and Congress has made former state president and legislator from Lucknow (Cantt) Rita Bahuguna Joshi its candidate.

The ruling Samajwadi Party (SP) had named Ashok Bajpayi as its candidate but changed him at the last minute and fielded state minister for science Abhishek Mishra.