Lucknow: Samajwadi Party (SP) National President and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that what he described as a “vote theft model” has “gripped democracy” in the country.
Addressing a press conference at the SP state headquarters in Lucknow, Yadav claimed that democracy is being undermined through what he called a “multi-layered system involving officials, contractors, and influential businessmen.”
He alleged that a “democratic crime network” is operating to influence elections and deprive citizens of their rights. “Votes are being looted, and democracy is being weakened systematically,” he said.
Drawing parallels between states, Yadav referred to alleged irregularities during elections in West Bengal and compared them with the 2022 Uttar Pradesh elections. He claimed that polling agents were allegedly removed from booths using central forces and that voters were intimidated in some areas.
He further alleged that elections in India are increasingly being predetermined. “It is not counting of votes, it is selection of winners in advance,” he said, using the term “man-ganana” (pre-decided counting) instead of actual vote counting.
Calling for greater transparency, Yadav urged the Supreme Court to take cognisance of alleged irregularities in West Bengal vote counting. He also demanded that CCTV footage of counting centres be made public. “If court proceedings can be live-streamed, why not vote counting?” he asked.
The SP chief also alleged large-scale voter list manipulation, claiming that thousands of voters were removed from electoral rolls ahead of elections. He said his party had submitted affidavits and evidence to the Election Commission, but no action was taken.
He cited examples from constituencies such as Chhibramau, Tirwa, and Shahganj, claiming that the margin of defeat for SP candidates was lower than the number of allegedly deleted votes.
Referring to bypolls in Milkipur, Rampur, Kundarki, and Katehari, Yadav accused the BJP of electoral malpractice and misuse of administrative machinery. He also alleged that farmers and traders in Ayodhya faced land-related injustices, which contributed to public anger against the ruling party.
He further criticised the use of bulldozer action in Milkipur, claiming that a senior citizen was falsely targeted and later found innocent. He also questioned the role of officials involved in electoral processes, alleging political bias.
Yadav said that what he termed a “multi-layer election mafia” includes officials, contractors, and politically aligned individuals who influence outcomes. He also alleged misuse of central agencies such as the CBI and ED for political purposes.
He claimed that the BJP is attempting to influence both voting and reservation systems, and criticised its stance on women’s reservation, alleging misleading public narratives.
Describing the BJP’s communication style, Yadav said the party spreads repeated falsehoods. “One lie is layered over another,” he said.
He further stated that the opposition alliance, including the INDIA bloc and the PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) coalition, is united and prepared to challenge the ruling party in future elections.
“We defeated them in 2024 and we will defeat them again in 2027 with full unity,” he said, adding that the alliance aims to end what he described as “politics of conspiracy and manipulation.”
Yadav also criticised the BJP’s governance approach, alleging misuse of institutions and selective targeting of political opponents. He reiterated that his party believes in constitutional values and democratic processes.
The press conference concluded with a renewed assertion from the SP leadership that they will continue to raise concerns over electoral transparency and strengthen their political outreach across Uttar Pradesh and beyond.
