Won’t contest bypolls until EC prevents fake voting: Mayawati

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati on Sunday alleged irregularities in voting in the recent Uttar Pradesh bypolls. She further said her party would not contest byelections in future, particularly in the state, until the Election Commission (EC) takes measures to prevent fake voting.

Bypolls to nine Assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh were held on November 20 and results were declared on Saturday. The Bahujan Samaj Party contested all nine seats, but failed to win any.

“There is widespread discussion about votes cast in the recent Assembly bypoll and the election results. When elections were conducted using ballot papers, fake votes were cast by misusing the system. Now, similar practices are being carried out using EVMs, which is a matter of deep sorrow and concern for democracy,” Mayawati said in a press conference here.

The state machinery is usually more cautious and seems to provide safeguards more efficiently during the General Elections, perhaps due to the fear of power changing hands. However, these activities are now being executed more openly, especially during by-elections, she claimed.

Talking about the violence witnessed in Sambhal district, the former CM held the Yogi Adityanath-led state government and the administration responsible for the unrest. She said, “Following yesterday’s unexpected poll results, there has been significant tension in Sambhal and the entire Moradabad division. In such a situation, the administration should have postponed the survey of the mosque and temple properties in Sambhal to maintain peace. Instead, the survey was conducted today, which led to unrest and violence,” Mayawati said.