ECI Acts on Voter Bias Allegations, Suspends Seven UP Police Personnel During Bypolls
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has intensified its efforts to ensure free and fair bypolls in Uttar Pradesh after allegations of voter suppression and misconduct surfaced.
The controversy has led to the suspension of seven police officers accused of violating voter guidelines, with the Samajwadi Party (SP) alleging targeted suppression of specific communities.
Police Officers Suspended for Misconduct
The ECI suspended two police officers each from Kanpur and Muzaffarnagar districts and three from Moradabad after receiving complaints from the SP. The suspensions underscore the poll body’s commitment to addressing misconduct swiftly and maintaining electoral integrity.
The bypolls are taking place in nine assembly constituencies: Ghaziabad, Katehari, Khair, Kundarki, Karhal, Majhawan, Meerapur, Phulpur, and Sisamau.
In its official statement, the ECI emphasized, “No eligible voter should be prevented from voting. Any kind of biased attitude during voting will not be tolerated. On receiving a complaint, there will be an immediate investigation. If anyone is found guilty, strict action will be taken.”
ECI Issues Directives for Impartial Voting
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar instructed state electoral officials to handle complaints promptly and transparently. Kumar directed that actions taken in response to grievances should be communicated to complainants via social media.
The ECI’s swift response followed accusations from SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, who alleged that law enforcement officers were unlawfully checking voter cards and Aadhaar IDs. He claimed that this targeted approach aimed to prevent specific groups from voting.
Yadav criticized the ECI, stating, “We have lodged multiple complaints. It seems that the senses of the Election Commission have dulled. It can neither see nor hear despite so many complaints. The BJP wants to win these by-elections not by vote but by ‘khot.’ Fearing a defeat, the BJP is pressuring the administration to indulge in foul play.”
SP Demands Action and Encourages Voter Participation
Acknowledging the ECI’s decision to suspend the officers, Yadav urged affected voters to return to polling stations without fear. He assured them that measures were being taken to address misconduct.
Sharing a video of police encouraging citizens to vote, Yadav said, “After talking to the Chief Election Commissioner… corrupt and biased police officers have been suspended. Therefore, you should go without any fear and stand in the queue.”
The SP also called for immediate suspension of officers seen verifying voter IDs in video evidence. Yadav argued that police had no right to check voter identity cards and appealed to the Supreme Court and ECI to investigate the alleged suppression further.
SP candidate Sumbul Rana from Meerapur echoed these allegations, sharing a video in which she claimed police were actively preventing people from voting.
BJP Refutes Allegations and Calls for Stricter Oversight
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), meanwhile, dismissed the SP’s allegations and urged the ECI to increase scrutiny of voters in burqas.
The BJP claimed that fake identities were being used in Meerapur to influence the election and alleged that individuals were being housed in mosques, madrasas, and lodges in Muzaffarnagar for this purpose.
In a letter to the state’s Chief Electoral Officer, the BJP expressed concerns over men allegedly disguising themselves in burqas to cast votes.
Muzaffarnagar SSP Abhishek Singh responded to the claims, stating, “We are taking note of all sorts of complaints. Free and fair polling is taking place.”
Ensuring Fair Elections Amid Political Tensions
The ongoing bypolls in Uttar Pradesh have become a flashpoint for political and public scrutiny, with the ECI navigating a challenging environment. The suspensions of police personnel and the directives for strict monitoring reflect the commission’s commitment to impartiality.
However, the contrasting narratives from political parties underscore the high stakes of these elections. While the SP accuses the BJP of pressuring authorities to manipulate outcomes, the BJP counters with allegations of voter fraud.
