In a strongly worded statement, the Samajwadi Party (SP) has urged the Election Commission to take stringent action against alleged electoral irregularities in the Milkipur bypoll. Party chief Akhilesh Yadav claimed that the election was marred by “systematic voter suppression and fraudulent activity,” accusing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating large-scale malpractice in collusion with local authorities.
The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister alleged that BJP supporters engaged in “fake voting and voter intimidation,” while SP booth agents were harassed across multiple polling stations. He further accused the police and administration of “shielding BJP-backed elements” and allowing them to “freely violate the election code of conduct.”
Yadav pointed to specific instances of malpractice, including allegations of booth capturing at polling station number 158, where the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) himself reportedly raised concerns with the Election Commission. He also claimed that “BJP-sponsored goons” were transported from outside Delhi to cast fake votes, citing an instance where one individual allegedly admitted to voting six times.
The SP leader further accused law enforcement of fostering a climate of fear, deterring voters from casting their ballots. He highlighted reports of electronic voting machine (EVM) malfunctions at several booths, including Kutia Amaniganj, where disruptions lasted for over two hours. Additionally, he alleged that Muslim women were subjected to humiliation, with some forced to remove their burqas for identification.
Yadav went on to accuse election officials and police personnel of interfering with the voting process, removing SP polling agents from multiple booths, and influencing voter decisions. “The BJP has hijacked the election process. What was supposed to be a democratic exercise has been reduced to a mere formality,” he asserted.
BJP Refutes Allegations, Calls Them Baseless
In response, the BJP strongly refuted Yadav’s allegations, dismissing them as “propaganda politics” driven by frustration over the SP’s impending defeat in Milkipur.
BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi accused the SP leader of spreading misinformation, stating, “Akhilesh Yadav has become the champion of propaganda politics, attempting to shift the blame for his party’s loss through fabricated audio, videos, and photos.”
Tripathi also rejected claims of electoral malpractice, asserting that the Milkipur bypoll was conducted fairly and transparently. “As usual, when faced with defeat, the Samajwadi Party is resorting to baseless allegations. It won’t be surprising if they soon blame EVMs for their loss,” he added.
Milkipur Bypoll: A High-Stakes Battle
The Milkipur by-election has emerged as a prestige battle between the SP and the BJP, given its location within the politically significant Ayodhya district. The seat fell vacant following Awadhesh Prasad’s election to the Lok Sabha from Faizabad in 2024.
While the SP is determined to retain its stronghold, the BJP sees the bypoll as an opportunity to reclaim lost ground in Milkipur—an assembly seat the party had failed to secure in the 2022 Uttar Pradesh elections, despite winning all others in the Ayodhya district.
The outcome of the bypoll is expected to have broader political ramifications, setting the tone for future electoral contests in the region.
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