Samajwadi Party Vehicle Seized for Violating Election Code During Meerapur Campaign

A vehicle linked to the Samajwadi Party was confiscated on Tuesday for displaying a party flag, breaching the model code of conduct in the Meerapur assembly seat, according to officials. The vehicle was part of a convoy led by former MP and SP leader Kadir Rana, who was campaigning for his daughter-in-law Sumbul Rana, the SP candidate from Meerapur.

A video circulating online shows Kadir Rana, who served as a BSP MP from Muzaffarnagar between 2009 and 2014, reportedly arguing with police officers following the vehicle's seizure. Meanwhile, Sumbul Rana has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission. She claims that the Morna police outpost in-charge is coercing SP workers to back BJP-RLD alliance candidate Mithilesh Pal.

Election Code Violation Allegations

Circle Officer Ravishankar informed reporters that police seized the vehicle for violating election norms by carrying a Samajwadi Party flag. He mentioned that an investigation is underway. However, no FIR has been filed yet regarding this breach of the model code of conduct.

Kadir Rana and 24 others were charged on Monday for breaching the model code of conduct by organising an election meeting at a panchayat building. The Meerapur assembly seat has 11 candidates contesting in the upcoming bypolls.

Upcoming Bypolls and Political Dynamics

The bypoll in Meerapur was necessitated after its sitting legislator Chandan Chauhan of the RLD was elected to the Lok Sabha from Bijnor. Bypolls are scheduled for November 20 in nine assembly seats across Uttar Pradesh, including Katehari in Ambedkar Nagar, Karhal in Mainpuri, and Ghaziabad.

The Congress is not participating in these bypolls but is supporting its INDIA bloc partner, SP. In contrast, the Bahujan Samaj Party is contesting all nine seats independently.

Sumbul Rana alleges that when SP workers refused to support Mithilesh Pal, the police outpost in-charge seized their vehicle despite having campaign permission. This incident adds tension to an already competitive political environment.