Allegations of Voter Fraud Emerge Before UP Elections, BJP Accuses SP of Manipulation

Prayagraj, October 21 (Daily Kiran) : Allegations of discrepancies in the voter list have intensified as Uttar Pradesh prepares for the upcoming elections in the Allahabad-Jhansi graduate constituency. Anoop Gupta, a member of the BJP’s legislative council, has raised concerns about over 4,000 duplicate entries, with approximately 3,200 of these found in Prayagraj. Gupta is demanding strict action and has reportedly submitted complaints and evidence to the district magistrate.

Gupta stated, “The district magistrate oversees the elections in this constituency as the Assistant Returning Officer (ARO). We have informed the ARO and the district magistrate that the Samajwadi Party has registered the names of over 3,000 of its supporters multiple times in Prayagraj alone. We have compiled a list with evidence, including booth numbers and polling centers, which we have submitted to the district magistrate and will also provide to the police commissioner.”

He emphasized that under the Representation of the People Act, 1950, registering more than once in the voter list and attempting to vote multiple times is a criminal offense. Gupta insisted that those involved in voter fraud should face imprisonment and fines, asserting that the right to vote is universal, but the right to vote multiple times belongs to none.

Rajya Sabha member Radhakant Ojha commented that during elections, voter registrations occur, which require a minimum educational certificate. He noted that discrepancies in names and details indicate errors on the part of those registering, rather than the electoral commission. This, he argued, demonstrates collusion among individuals involved in the voter registration process.

BJP legislator Siddharth Nath Singh added that they have presented evidence to the district magistrate, including numerous instances in Prayagraj where names have been registered multiple times—some even four, five, or seven times, all with the same father’s name. Singh called for the district administration to ensure these individuals are barred from voting and for the police commissioner to take action against them.

He stressed that in Uttar Pradesh, anyone engaging in such activities would face severe consequences. Singh questioned why the BJP is being accused and urged the authorities to examine the evidence presented during their press conference, asserting their commitment to a fair election process.

Tensions are high as the election date approaches, with each party vying to ensure the integrity of the voting process.