During the discussion in Parliament, Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav made many serious allegations against the Election Commission regarding the recent by-elections and the voting process. He said that the elections which are considered to be the strength of democracy, are today losing the trust of the people due to rigging and pressure. Akhilesh Yadav said that on the day when votes were being cast in Rampur, the police and administration were going door to door and stopping people from going to the polling booths. He claims that for the first time BJP was successful in winning there because of that environment.
He said that the party made many complaints, but the Election Commission did not take any action. Akhilesh Yadav challenged BJP and said that wherever you have won by-elections, show it by winning even one assembly election in 2027.
The SP President mentioned another incident and said that in the Milkipur by-election, his party had caught a person who voted six times. He said that complaints were sent several times, there was even talk of arresting a leader from the spot, but no action was taken by the Commission. Supporting the suggestion of Congress, Akhilesh Yadav said that the present system of appointment of election commissioners should be changed so that the process becomes more transparent.
Question raised again on electronic voting machine
Akhilesh Yadav said that considering the technical questions and credibility, India should return to ballot paper. Giving the example of Germany, he said that there the vote given through EVM is not considered valid, hence it is necessary to implement the traditional ballot process in India also so that there is no doubt. Akhilesh Yadav said that electoral reforms are necessary because the problems do not arise due to external interference, but at the internal level of the system. He said that in many by-elections there was no vote theft, but outright vote robbery.
Reference to Farrukhabad Lok Sabha elections
He said that Farrukhabad election is such an example where incidents leading to change of results were witnessed and candidates even complained formally. Akhilesh alleged that in many states, money was sent to the accounts of women during elections. At the end of his address, Akhilesh Yadav said that the election process will be considered transparent only when all parties get equal platform and equal opportunity.
Also read: Parliament Winter Session LIVE: Question on EVM, elections should be done through ballot paper, change in election commissioner appointment process necessary – Akhilesh Yadav