UP bypolls: Cops shouldn’t remove veils to identify voters, SP writes to EC

The BJP reacted sharply to the SP’s letter, pointing retired that they (BJP) person been demanding for agelong that nary elector “should beryllium allowed to workout franchise
without having their credentials checked.”

On Tuesday, the SP released a database of 10 “helpline numbers” for registering complaints related to the bypolls successful the state.

Demanding written directives for returning officers and section administrations of each 9 Assembly seats, Pal cited the ECI’s Handbook for Returning Officers and the conception that defines the “process of recognition of elector by (a) polling officer”. He maintained that it gives the close to cheque identities oregon elector IDs to polling officers deployed astatine the polling centres.

He went connected to allege that this led to galore SP supporters returning from polling centres without voting, thereby reducing the voting percentage. He besides accused block-level officers of not distributing elector chits successful “localities having a ascendant colonisation of SP supporters, particularly successful the Muslim population,” alleging that this led to galore not having immoderate thought astir their booth.

The authorities SP president besides demanded the videography of each the booths successful the Karhal Assembly seat, alleging “conspiracy” and the usage of authorities machinery to intimidate voters astatine the booths. The seat, which was vacated by SP main Akhilesh Yadav, his nephew Tej Pratap Singh Yadav is contesting this time.

BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi said connected Tuesday, “The Samajwadi Party is… gathering unnecessary unit connected the section medication done specified allegations truthful that they tin indulge successful fake voting… to woo a circumstantial ballot bank, by showcasing that they are their well-wishers, but for the sanctity of the polling, we again accidental that it is important to cheque the individuality of each voter.”

Earlier successful the day, SP main Akhilesh Yadav alleged that the medication was apt to bash “anomalies” successful the predetermination but added that helium is besides hopeful that medication would alternatively enactment to prevention the rights fixed nether the Constitution.

Later successful the day, the SP besides alleged that their workers were being “restricted by the medication and being threatened utilizing authorities machinery.”