The Election Commission has ensured stringent measures to prevent possible horse trading in Uttar Pradesh and has asked the central paramilitary forces to stay in the state till May 14.

The EC, in its new directive, has directed the state government to ensure protection to all the newly-elected legislators so that they could not be influenced by any political group.

Now the 209 companies of CPMF will stay in the state till May 14, the deadline when either a new government is formed by that day or President's rule is imposed. The tenure of the present Assembly expires on the midnight of May 13.

EC sources said new instructions have been given as there is a possibility of horse trading, if no party gets an absolute majority.

"We will ensure that the newly elected MLAs, particularly independents and those of the smaller parties, are not forcibly taken away to any other place to seek their support,'' the sources maintained.