Samajwadi Party chief claims party voters were obstructed; says INDIA bloc is preparing to challenge BJP in 2027 Assembly elections
Saifai: Samajwadi Party president and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav cast his vote in the Agra-Aligarh Graduates’ constituency election for the Legislative Council in Saifai on Saturday. After voting, he accused the BJP of attempting electoral malpractice and alleged that party workers and officials were obstructing Samajwadi Party voters.
Yadav claimed the BJP was apprehensive about losing even in the limited-electorate teachers’ and graduates’ elections. He alleged that attempts were made at several places across Uttar Pradesh to facilitate bogus voting and prevent SP supporters from casting their votes, while the administration remained a mute spectator. These allegations were made by Yadav and were not independently verified.
Questioning the Election Commission’s response, he alleged that the poll authorities had failed to act despite the reported irregularities. In a sarcastic remark, he suggested that the BJP should establish a university offering a three-year course to train its workers in vote manipulation.
Yadav accused the BJP of undermining democracy and the Constitution through alleged electoral malpractice. He said the Samajwadi Party was fighting to protect constitutional values and strengthen democratic institutions. He also claimed that his party had been raising concerns about voter-list irregularities and alleged vote theft since 2022.
Targeting the BJP’s record in government, the SP chief said it had failed to adequately address the concerns of teachers and young people despite being in power for a decade. He also alleged that corruption, inflation, unemployment and administrative failures had worsened under the BJP government.
Yadav criticised the government over rising fuel prices, the condition of healthcare services, alleged corruption in the police and other departments, poor road conditions and difficulties faced by farmers in obtaining fertilisers. He also questioned the Centre’s foreign and trade policies, arguing that they had affected the availability of agricultural inputs.
With the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections approaching, Yadav said the Samajwadi Party was prepared for the contest and expressed confidence that the INDIA bloc would defeat the BJP. He alleged that the ruling party had failed to fulfil its promises and said voters would hold it accountable at the ballot box.
The BJP and the Election Commission’s responses to the allegations were not included in the statement provided.
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