Akhilesh Yadav's Comments on ECI Ignite Controversy; NDA Calls for Apology
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Synopsis
Akhilesh Yadav's remarks alleging BJP's influence on the Milkipur bye-election voting have led to significant backlash from NDA leaders demanding an apology. The controversy revolves around claims of a compromised ECI and police actions during the election.
Key Takeaways
- Akhilesh Yadav alleges BJP's election manipulation.
- Yadav's comments on ECI draw NDA criticism.
- Dispute over voter ID checks during bye-election.
- Politicians call for an apology from Yadav.
- Voter turnout in Milkipur was 57.13%.
New Delhi, Feb 6 (NationPress) The chief of the Samajwadi Party (SP), Akhilesh Yadav, has ignited a storm of controversy following his allegations that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has 'indirectly influenced' the voting process in the Milkipur bye-election in Uttar Pradesh. Yadav's claims, suggesting that the Election Commission of India (ECI) was compromised, have elicited a strong backlash from leaders of the NDA who demand an apology from him.
On Thursday, Yadav accused the BJP of employing dubious tactics during the election, stating, 'This is how the BJP contests elections, and the ECI is dead.'
In response, Jagdambika Pal, Chairman of the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), countered, 'When his party wins, was it due to the impartiality of the same ECI? The Samajwadi Party is a constitutional entity and they had successes in the Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh. When they triumphed in Ayodhya, the Election Commission was perfectly fine. Now, when they face losses in Kathari Assembly or Milkipur, they raise allegations. This is unacceptable, and Yadav should retract his statements.'
BJP MP Ravi Kishan expressed his dismay, stating, 'It’s unfortunate that Akhilesh didn’t voice these concerns when his party secured 42 Lok Sabha seats over the past 24 years.'
Union Food Processing Minister Chirag Paswan also weighed in, expressing confusion: 'How is it possible that under the same ECI that conducted the Lok Sabha elections, you managed to become the third-largest party in the House? Now, when you are losing Milkipur, you start making excuses. This is erroneous. Your attitude changes based on your victories or defeats, and that is a flawed mindset.'
The controversy arose from Yadav's statements on Wednesday about police verifying the IDs of voters during the bye-election. He took to social media, demanding the ECI take action against those responsible.
However, the Ayodhya Police quickly refuted Yadav's claims, clarifying that they were checking IDs of booth agents, not voters, and urged the former Chief Minister to stop spreading misinformation.
The Milkipur Assembly bye-election, which concluded on Wednesday, recorded a voter turnout of 57.13 percent. With results still to be announced, the political drama surrounding this seat remains ongoing.
