Lagatar24 Desk
LUCKNOW: The Election Commission of India (ECI) suspended seven police personnel on Wednesday following allegations of rule violations during the bypolls in Uttar Pradesh. The suspensions came after complaints from the Samajwadi Party (SP) about voter suppression and police misconduct.
ECI’s Action on Voter Suppression Allegations
The suspended officers include two each from Kanpur and Muzaffarnagar districts, and three from Moradabad. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar directed state authorities to ensure a fair voting process and take immediate action on all complaints.
In a statement, the ECI emphasized, “No eligible voter should be prevented from voting. Any biased attitude during voting will not be tolerated. Immediate investigations will follow complaints, and strict action will be taken against those found guilty.”
The poll body also urged authorities to update complainants on the actions taken through social media.
SP’s Allegations and Response
SP chief Akhilesh Yadav accused police officers of illegally checking voter IDs and preventing people from voting. Sharing video evidence, Yadav called for immediate action and urged voters to return to polling booths without fear.
“We have lodged multiple complaints. The BJP is trying to win these bypolls through foul play, pressuring the administration,” he claimed.
Yadav also appealed to the Supreme Court to take cognizance of the alleged voter suppression, stating, “Police have no right to check Aadhaar or identity cards.”
BJP’s Counter Allegations
The BJP dismissed SP’s claims, instead alleging misuse of fake IDs by individuals in burqas to cast votes. The party urged the ECI to intensify checks in Muzaffarnagar’s Meerapur constituency, citing concerns about people allegedly being housed in mosques and madrasas to influence polling.
Incidents of Violence
Minor clashes were reported during the bypolls. In Meerapur, two groups resorted to stone-pelting, prompting police to use mild force to disperse the crowd.
Voter Turnout and Polling Update
As of 1 pm, the voter turnout stood at 31.21% across nine Assembly seats, including Ghaziabad, Katehari, and Karhal. A total of 90 candidates are in the fray.
