Political Turmoil Erupts Over Counting in Varanasi MLC Elections
Tensions rise in Varanasi as SP leader accuses BJP of election manipulation during MLC vote counting.
Varanasi, October 28 (Daily Kiran) : The political landscape in Varanasi has become increasingly contentious as the counting of votes for the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council’s graduate seat unfolds. Allegations of election manipulation have surfaced, with Samajwadi Party (SP) National President Akhilesh Yadav accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to alter the election results.
Yadav claimed that the BJP is facing a complete defeat in the MLC elections. He warned that any officials attempting to tamper with the counting process would be dragged to court.
In a social media post, Yadav raised concerns over the halting of vote counting in Varanasi, suggesting it was part of a long-standing BJP strategy to change the results. He noted that the BJP’s anxiety over a potential loss was evident, as communication from Delhi to Lucknow had seemingly broken down. He urged his party workers to remain vigilant until the final results are confirmed, emphasizing that the SP has gathered substantial evidence against any manipulative actions.
He further stated that if attempts to manipulate the results continue, every involved official would face legal repercussions, asserting that the BJP would not be able to protect them. Yadav reiterated the importance of perseverance among SP workers, declaring that they should not rest until victory is assured. He expressed confidence that the BJP would face significant setbacks in the elections.
Tensions escalated at the counting site in Varanasi, where clashes broke out between BJP workers and police. Protesters demanded access to the counting area, leading to a standoff. Videos of the confrontation circulated widely on social media, showcasing the chaos.
Reports indicate that after four rounds of counting, SP candidate Ashutosh Sinha was leading by approximately 5,000 votes. Discontent among BJP supporters grew when election officials requested objection-related documents from their candidate, Kedar Nath Singh. As tensions flared, BJP workers reached the final barricade, chanting slogans against the election observer, Pranjal Yadav, whom they accused of having close ties with SP leaders.
BJP leader Vikas Singh also questioned the counting process, alleging that votes for his party were being declared invalid while those for the opposition were accepted. He demanded that the counting be conducted transparently in the presence of their agents, threatening to stage a sit-in protest with his supporters.
The situation remained charged as police, including DCP Kashi Gaurav Bansal and DCP Gomti Neetu Kadyan, along with multiple police units, were deployed to maintain order. The accusations and counter-accusations between the SP and BJP continue to heighten tensions in Varanasi.
