A video depicting a boy casting votes multiple times for the BJP from various polling booths in UP has raised serious questions about the integrity of the electoral process.
· According to Election Commission rules, individuals are permitted to vote only once, and the presence of phones or any electronic devices inside polling booths is strictly prohibited.
· The video showcased the individual repeatedly entering different polling stations, casting votes for the BJP, while brazenly documenting his illicit actions.
· In response to the footage, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav shared it on social media, directing scrutiny towards the EC and demanding swift action against the perpetrator.
· Instances of poll violations and irregularities have been reported from various constituencies in Uttar Pradesh, further exacerbating the electoral turmoil.
· Muslims in Sambhal district alleged police brutality and obstruction in exercising their franchise.
· Voters in Lekhimpur Kheri district lamented irregularities with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines displaying erroneous party symbols.
· Subsequently, an FIR was registered under relevant sections of the IPC and the Representation of the People Act, reflects the gravity of the offense and the imperative to uphold the sanctity of the electoral process.
A shocking video depicting a young individual purportedly casting votes multiple times for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) from various polling booths in Uttar Pradesh has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about the integrity of the electoral process. The video, which quickly went viral on social media platforms, captured the youngster boasting about voting eight times, in blatant violation of Election Commission regulations.
According to Election Commission rules, individuals are permitted to vote only once, and the presence of phones or any electronic devices inside polling booths is strictly prohibited. However, the video showcased the individual repeatedly entering different polling stations, casting votes for the BJP, while brazenly documenting his illicit actions.
In response to the alarming footage, Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav shared the video on social media, directing scrutiny towards the Election Commission and demanding swift action against the perpetrator. The dissemination of the video underscored the widespread concerns over electoral malpractices and the urgent need for stringent enforcement of election regulations.
Instances of poll violations and irregularities have been reported from various constituencies in Uttar Pradesh, further exacerbating the electoral turmoil. In the aftermath of the fourth phase of elections on May 13, reports emerged of genuine voters being denied their right to vote, exacerbating the democratic deficit.
Among the reported incidents, Muslims in Sambhal district alleged police brutality and obstruction in exercising their franchise, while voters in Lekhimpur Kheri district lamented irregularities with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines displaying erroneous party symbols.
Subsequently, an FIR was registered against an unidentified individual in Naya Gaon town of Etah district, Uttar Pradesh, in connection with the egregious violation of electoral norms depicted in the viral video. The FIR, filed under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Representation of the People Act, reflects the gravity of the offense and the imperative to uphold the sanctity of the electoral process.
Authorities have initiated investigations to identify the perpetrator seen in the video, with efforts focused on locating the polling booth depicted in the footage. Additionally, recommendations for the suspension of polling officials and disciplinary action against the sector magistrate underscore the accountability measures being pursued to restore public faith in the electoral system.
The scandal has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi echoing Akhilesh Yadav’s concerns and urging election officials to uphold their constitutional duties amidst mounting pressure and attempts to subvert democracy. As the investigation unfolds, the integrity of the electoral process hangs in the balance, demanding resolute action to safeguard the democratic principles enshrined in India’s constitution.
(With inputs from agencies)
