November 20, 2024: The Election Commission (EC) has taken swift action against Uttar Pradesh police personnel accused of violating electoral guidelines during the ongoing bypolls. The move comes in response to several complaints, including allegations of voter harassment and obstruction, particularly in the Sisamau assembly constituency of Kanpur.

The EC's decision to suspend several officers follows a formal directive from Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, who instructed district election officers (DEOs) and superintendents of police (SPs) to ensure fair and smooth voting. He also ordered that all complaints be addressed promptly, with updates posted on social media for greater transparency.

The controversy was sparked by a video shared by Samajwadi Party (SP) President Akhilesh Yadav, which alleged that police personnel were unlawfully checking voter IDs and Aadhaar cards, hindering voters from casting their ballots. The SP leader called for the immediate suspension of officers involved in these actions, claiming the checks were intended to intimidate voters, particularly from certain communities.

In response to the allegations, Kanpur police confirmed that several sub-inspectors had been suspended for their involvement in the incident and vowed to ensure strict adherence to electoral guidelines. The police also reiterated the importance of maintaining a fair and impartial voting process.

The Samajwadi Party further accused the authorities of targeting specific communities, preventing them from voting. However, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) dismissed these claims, suggesting that identity verification for burqa-clad voters be intensified. BJP leader Akhilesh Kumar Awasthi wrote to the Chief Electoral Officer of Uttar Pradesh, urging that the checks be more stringent, stating that there had been instances of men disguising themselves in burqas to cast fraudulent votes.

"In fact, some men have worn burqas and tried to vote," Awasthi wrote in his letter. "If the identity of burqa-clad women is not thoroughly checked, there could be a risk of fake voting. Only proper verification will ensure a fair and transparent process."

The EC’s actions and the ongoing political controversy highlight the delicate balance between maintaining electoral integrity and protecting voter rights.