Akhilesh alleges ballot irregularities during Uttar Pradesh MLC counting (Img: X)
Lucknow: Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday alleged irregularities in the ongoing counting for Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council elections, claiming that ballot papers were found unfolded in a ballot box and accusing the ruling BJP of attempting to manipulate the process.
The allegation concerns SP candidate Kanti Singh, who is contesting from the Lucknow Legislative Council Graduates constituency. Speaking to the media, Yadav claimed that “unfolded votes” were found at polling booth number 97 and alleged that the BJP was behind a conspiracy to steal votes.
Accusing the BJP of using unfair means to influence the MLC elections, Yadav claimed that the alleged irregularity had exposed the party’s actions.
"I have just heard that at booth number 97 in Kanti Singh ji's election, votes were found without being folded. The BJP cannot even carry out vote theft honestly. They have been caught because how can votes be cast without being folded? he asked.
The SP chief also questioned whether a ballot box containing votes had been brought in to influence the outcome against his party’s candidate.
“Everyone sitting here must know this. Voters are clearly instructed on how to fold the ballot paper, and when the ballot paper is handed to them, it is already folded. They then put it into the ballot box after folding it. But votes were found in the boxes without being folded. Just imagine, they must have brought the entire box full of votes," Yadav claimed.
The Election Commission has not yet issued a clarification on the allegations. Separately, repolling was held at three polling stations in the Agra teachers’ constituency on Monday following allegations of booth capturing during polling on October 23.
Counting is underway for 11 Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council seats, with results expected by late evening.
The outgoing members whose seats are being contested include six from the BJP, three from the SP and two Independents. The BJP is seeking to retain its existing tally while also attempting to win seats currently held by the SP and Independent candidates.
The elections are significant for the SP as it seeks to strengthen its position ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. The party currently has 10 members in the 100-seat Legislative Council.
