'We are alert; if any incidents occur, we will report to ECI': SP leader on on UP bypolls

NEW DELHI The Samajwadi Party (SP) has raised concerns about potential election irregularities ahead of bypolls in Uttar Pradesh. Fakhrul Hasan Chand, an SP leader, stated on Tuesday that the party has received numerous complaints regarding election officials and Booth Level Officers (BLOs).
Chand confirmed that these concerns have been reported to the Election Commission. “We have released a helpline number for voting-related issues. If you face any problems, please contact us, and we will take up the matter with the Election Commission. Many complaints have been received regarding officers and BLOs (Booth Level Officers), and we have informed the Election Commission about these and demanded action. We hope the elections are conducted impartially and without any intimidation or pressure,” he stated.
The SP leader further alleged that the party experienced unfair practices and vote manipulation in the 2022 Assembly and 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He expressed the party's vigilance and preparedness to report any further incidents to the Election Commission.
Nine constituencies in Uttar Pradesh are scheduled for by-elections on November 20, with results expected on November 23.
In a separate development, Shyam Lal Pal, SP's Uttar Pradesh Chief, wrote to the state's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO). The letter requested a written directive prohibiting police personnel from checking voter IDs during the by-polls. Pal emphasized that the authority to verify voter identification rests solely with polling officers.
The letter also alleged that police officials misused their authority during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections by forcing SP supporters, particularly Muslim women, to remove their veils. This action, according to Pal, caused distress and fear among the voters.