UP Bypolls: Election Commission Suspends 7 Policemen Following Akhilesh Yadav's Allegations

In response to complaints and SP chief Akhilesh Yadav's press confrence, the Election Commission suspended 7 police officers accused of obstructing voters in Uttar Pradesh bypolls. Officials confirmed that these officers have been suspended for not adhering to guidelines. This decision follows a request from SP president Akhilesh Yadav, who provided video evidence of police checking voter cards and Aadhaar IDs.

Out of 7 suspended officers, 2 each were from Kanpur district and Muzaffarnagar districts; and 3 from Moradabad.

UP Bypolls are currently underway in the 9 constituencies namely: Ghaziabad, Katehari, Khair, Kundarki, Karhal, Majhawan, Meerapur, Phulpur, and Sisamau.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar has instructed the chief electoral officer of Uttar Pradesh and all district election officers to ensure a fair voting process. They must address complaints swiftly and inform complainants via social media, tagging them in updates. The focus is on preventing any eligible voter from being stopped from casting their vote.

Strict Measures for Fair Voting

The Commission emphasised that any biased behaviour will not be tolerated. If a complaint is verified, strict measures should be implemented against those responsible. This directive aims to maintain integrity during the ongoing voting in nine assembly seats across Uttar Pradesh.

District election officers and superintendents of police have acted on these instructions by suspending the involved police personnel after verifying the allegations. The Commission's firm stance underscores its commitment to ensuring a smooth electoral process.

Social media played a crucial role in highlighting issues during the bypolls. The Samajwadi Party used these platforms to report that certain communities were being hindered from voting. The Election Commission's response demonstrates its dedication to addressing such concerns promptly.

The poll machinery has been reminded of its duty to uphold impartiality and fairness throughout the election process. Any deviation from this standard will result in immediate corrective actions, as per the Commission's guidelines.

The ongoing elections are critical, and ensuring every eligible voter's right is paramount. The Election Commission's proactive approach aims to safeguard democratic principles and uphold public trust in the electoral system.