Akhilesh Yadav's Comments on ECI Ignite Controversy; NDA Demands Apology
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Synopsis
Akhilesh Yadav's allegations of BJP interference in the Milkipur bye-election have sparked a strong backlash from NDA leaders, demanding an apology. The controversy revolves around claims against ECI's integrity and police actions during the voting process.
Key Takeaways
- Akhilesh Yadav accuses BJP of election manipulation.
- Yadav claims ECI is compromised, facing backlash from NDA.
- Jagdambika Pal questions Yadav's integrity during his party's wins.
- BJP leaders express disappointment over Yadav's remarks.
- Police clarify voter ID checks were for booth agents, not voters.
New Delhi, Feb 6 (NationPress) Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav has caused a stir with his allegations that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) "indirectly manipulated" the voting process during the Milkipur bye-election in Uttar Pradesh. Yadav’s comments suggested that the Election Commission of India (ECI) was compromised, prompting a strong backlash from NDA leaders who have denounced his remarks and are demanding an apology.
While addressing the media on Thursday, Yadav accused the BJP of resorting to unethical methods in the election, stating, “This is how the BJP approaches elections, and the ECI is ineffective.”
In response, Jagdambika Pal, Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), criticized Yadav, questioning, “When his party triumphed, was it due to the fairness of the same ECI? The Samajwadi Party is a constitutional entity, and they had victories in the Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh. When they succeeded in Ayodhya, the Election Commission was acceptable. Now, as they are losing in Kathari Assembly or Milkipur, they raise alarms. This is unacceptable, and Yadav should retract his statements.”
BJP MP Ravi Kishan expressed regret, saying, “It’s disheartening that Akhilesh didn’t voice these concerns when his party secured 42 Lok Sabha seats in the last 24 years.”
Union Food Processing Minister Chirag Paswan also joined in the criticism, stating, “I fail to comprehend how, under the same ECI that managed the Lok Sabha elections, you emerged as the third-largest party in the House. Yet now, as Milkipur is slipping from your grasp, you start making excuses. This is misguided. Your narrative changes with wins or losses, and that’s a flawed perspective.”
The controversy originated from Yadav's claims on Wednesday that police were verifying the identification of voters during the bypoll. He took to social media, urging the ECI to take action against those responsible.
However, the Ayodhya Police quickly refuted Yadav’s claims, clarifying that the IDs of booth agents, not voters, were checked, and urged the former Chief Minister to avoid spreading misinformation.
The Milkipur Assembly bye-election, which concluded on Wednesday, recorded a voter turnout of 57.13 percent. With results still pending, the political drama surrounding this seat continues to evolve.
