Candidates found involved in violent attempts at “regime change” can now be denied Uttar Pradesh government jobs, under tightened character verification rules that also bar rejection based on political beliefs alone.

The Yogi Adityanath government has revised the norms for candidates selected through direct recruitment. The move comes amid a controversy over calls for “regime change” during recent protests.

The order says authorities cannot reject an applicant merely because a First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against them or because an investigation is pending. Nor can a candidate be disqualified for holding a particular political view. Any decision must rest on the circumstances covered by the verification rules, including involvement in violent activities.

According ot a Hindi News Portal, Prabhasakshi, the order was issued by M Devraj, Principal Secretary of the Appointment and Personnel Department. It covers departments, corporations, councils, authorities and local bodies. The Hindi news portal said involvement in such activities after the age of 21, and within three years before the verification date, can be treated as evidence of continued active involvement unless there is solid proof of a change in conduct.

The report added that police must submit character verification reports within 30 days. Employees already in government service will not have to go through the process again, though information on their conduct can be sought from previous departments.

The development comes amid a sharpening political confrontation over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The Congress and the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc have alleged irregularities and demanded accountability from the Election Commission of India.

Rahul Gandhi and other opposition leaders led a “March for Democracy” towards the Supreme Court on Monday, October 12. The alliance will hold a “Vote Bachao, Desh Bachao” rally at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi on Sunday, November 1, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and action over alleged vote theft.