X: @the_new_21
The electoral process in Uttar Pradesh’s Kairana constituency took a contentious turn as the Samajwadi Party (SP) leveled serious allegations against the police, alleging mistreatment of Muslim voters at polling booths during the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections.
In a stark accusation, the SP claimed that Muslim voters encountered discrimination and obstruction at booth number 447 in Shamli, within the Kairana constituency. The party alleged that police personnel were actively impeding Muslim voters from exercising their democratic right, prompting a fervent call for intervention from the Election Commission to ensure fair voting.
Furthermore, the SP asserted that the pace of voting at Kairana Nagar Islamiya Inter College was deliberately hindered by the administration, exacerbating concerns about the integrity of the electoral process. A video circulated by the party depicted burqa-clad Muslim women arriving to cast their votes, with accompanying allegations of discriminatory treatment by law enforcement officials.
The video footage captured instances of women police personnel inspecting the identities of Muslim voters, with some officers resorting to lifting burqas for identity verification—a move that has sparked controversy and fueled accusations of intimidation and harassment.
The unfolding events in Kairana have intensified scrutiny over the conduct of polling officials and law enforcement personnel, particularly amidst reports of malfunctioning Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) from various locations across the state.
The allegations put forth by the SP underscore the delicate balance between safeguarding electoral integrity and protecting the rights of marginalized communities. As the electoral process unfolds, heightened vigilance and swift action are imperative to address concerns of voter disenfranchisement and ensure a free and fair election.
Also Read: First Phase of Lok Sabha Polls 2024 Begins Across 21 States and Union Territories
