Election Commission Probes Allegations of Bias in Uttar Pradesh

The Election Commission has sought a report from the Uttar Pradesh chief electoral officer following Samajwadi Party complaints of biased postings of officials from certain communities ahead of bypolls. The party alleged that 12 booth-level officers were unjustly replaced in Moradabad and Kanpur districts.

The Election Commission has taken cognisance of complaints from the Samajwadi Party and has requested a detailed report from the Uttar Pradesh chief electoral officer over allegations of biased postings of officials from certain communities ahead of the upcoming bypolls in the state, sources revealed on Friday.

A delegation from the Samajwadi Party met with the Commission on Thursday, alleging bias and politicisation in the assignment of booth-level officers (BLOs) in Kundarki assembly seat of Moradabad district and Sisamau constituency of Kanpur district.

The party contends that 12 booth-level officers and supervisors from two specific communities were recently replaced without justification. These allegations come as bypolls are imminent in ten constituencies, including nine vacated by MLAs elected to the Lok Sabha and the Sisamau seat vacated due to the disqualification of SP MLA Irfan Solanki following his criminal conviction.

(With inputs from agencies.)