CEC Rajiv Kumar, responding to the Samajwadi Party’s complaints, instructed UP election officials to uphold a fair and unbiased voting process.
The Election Commission of India (EC) on Wednesday suspended two police personnel for breaching its guidelines by obstructing voters and preventing them from casting their votes during the Uttar Pradesh bypolls.
The action followed Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav’s appeal to the Election Commission, backed by video evidence showing police personnel obstructing voters. Acting on the directive, district election officers and police superintendents investigated the complaints, leading to the suspension of the accused officers for their misconduct.
Bypolls are being conducted in nine assembly constituencies: Ghaziabad, Katehari, Khair, Kundarki, Karhal, Majhawan, Meerapur, Phulpur, and Sisamau.
Taking serious note of Samajwadi Party’s social media claims that certain communities were being prevented from voting, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar directed Uttar Pradesh election officials to ensure a fair and impartial voting process.
Officials were instructed to promptly address all complaints, take immediate action, and notify the complainants via social media, ensuring they are tagged in the response.
Officials were warned that no eligible voter should be denied their right to vote and that any form of bias would not be tolerated.
They were further instructed to ensure strict action against anyone found guilty following the investigation of a complaint.
The Kanpur Nagar Police Commissionerate suspended sub-inspectors Arun Kumar Singh and Rakesh Nadar for violating election guidelines. In a post on X, the department stated, *“Everyone has been directed to ensure complete compliance with the election process.”*
Akhilesh Yadav Urges Voters: ‘Go Without Fear’
In a post on X, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav alleged that police officers were obstructing voters and urged the Supreme Court and Election Commission to take swift action. He stated, “All police officers checking voter cards and Aadhaar IDs should be immediately suspended based on the video evidence. The police have no authority to check Aadhaar or identity cards.”
After the Election Commission acted on Akhilesh Yadav’s complaints, the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister urged voters who had been stopped earlier to return and cast their votes.
Taking to X, Yadav wrote, “The Election Commission is now alert and assuring that those who were prevented from voting should go back and exercise their right. No malpractice will be tolerated anymore.”
He further stated, “If anyone tries to stop you again, immediately inform Election Commission officials, party representatives present at the polling station, or file a direct complaint with the Election Commission. We appreciate this assurance from the Election Commission.”
Yadav also warned that dishonest police and administrative officials would face consequences, emphasizing that video evidence would serve as the basis for legal action against them.
“Go without fear and ensure you cast your vote!” the SP leader urged.
