The Election Commission of India (EC) has taken swift action after Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav raised concerns over police personnel hindering voters during Uttar Pradesh’s ongoing bypolls. On Wednesday, the EC suspended two police officers for violating electoral guidelines after videos showed officers stopping voters from casting their ballots.
The bypolls are taking place across nine assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh, including Ghaziabad, Katehari, Khair, Kundarki, Karhal, Majhawan, Meerapur, Phulpur, and Sisamau. Yadav posted on social media, alleging that certain communities were being barred from voting and requesting the Election Commission to investigate. He backed his complaint with video evidence, prompting the Election Commission to direct district election officers and police superintendents to verify the claims.
In response, the Police Commissionerate of Kanpur Nagar suspended two sub-inspectors, Arun Kumar Singh and Rakesh Nadar, for their misconduct. The commissionerate confirmed the suspension in a post on X (formerly Twitter) and assured that it would remind all officers to adhere strictly to election guidelines.
Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar took serious note of these allegations, stressing the need for a fair and impartial election process.
He directed Uttar Pradesh election officials to promptly address complaints, ensuring that no eligible voter would be prevented from voting. Kumar emphasized that they would not tolerate any biased behavior or malpractice.
After the suspension, Akhilesh Yadav urged voters, who had previously been stopped, to go and cast their votes again.
Yadav assured the public of no further voter suppression, urging reports of harassment, while the EC ensures electoral integrity.
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