'Conspiracy to eliminate opposition votes ahead of UP polls?', Akhilesh on EC's SIR extension
Lucknow (PTI): Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday said that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise has become a "major trouble" for people and alleged that the Election Commission (EC) has ignored practical challenges faced by voters and Booth Level Officers (BLOs) while demanding three months extension of the SIR deadline.
"Is there a conspiracy to eliminate opposition votes ahead of elections in Uttar Pradesh?" Yadav questioned, claiming the poll body was "acting at the behest of the BJP government" and warned that, as seen in Bihar, lakhs of voters could be deprived of their voting rights if the process was rushed.
Yadav, in a statement issued here, said it was impossible to conduct the enumeration and verification of nearly 16 crore voters in a state as large as Uttar Pradesh within a month, adding that BLOs were under immense pressure, which was affecting their "physical and mental well-being."
He emphasised that extending the SIR deadline from December 4 to December 11 was "not sufficient", adding that he had demanded a three-month extension.
"The Election Commission has given no attention to this logical and practical demand. It seems the commission has become insensitive and is unconcerned about the problems of voters," Yadav said in a statement.
He claimed the poll body was "acting at the behest of the BJP government" and warned that, as seen in Bihar, lakhs of voters could be deprived of their voting rights if the process was rushed.
The SP chief alleged that the situation raised questions over whether the commission cared about its credibility and the fairness of elections.
He also expressed concern over the workload and alleged threats faced by BLOs, claiming several had died by suicide due to stress.
"More than half a dozen BLOs have died in Uttar Pradesh. It is unfortunate that they are being shown as 'dismissed' employees to deny their families government assistance," he alleged.
Calling SIR a critical process linked to constitutional rights, including voting, citizenship and reservation benefits, Yadav said even minor errors could have far-reaching consequences.
He urged the poll body to extend the SIR period by at least three months to ensure accuracy and protect voters’ rights.
"The Election Commission must safeguard the voting rights of crores of Uttar Pradesh residents and remain alert to any political conspiracy. Otherwise, doubts will inevitably be raised about the commission itself," he said. ABN MPL
MPL
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
1,850 missing mobile phones recovered as Delhi Police focusses on victim-centric policing
New Delhi (PTI): Delhi Police has recovered 1,850 stolen and lost mobile phones worth around Rs 4 crore in past 40 days under "Mission Reconnect", an initiative aimed at returning phones to their rightful owners in outernorth Delhi, an official said on Saturday.
The recovered phones were traced from different parts of the country, including remote areas, through technical surveillance and sustained field operations, police said, adding that the devices were handed over to their owners during a programme at the Sports Ground, New Police Lines, Kingsway Camp.
The initiative focused on a victim-centric approach and aimed at strengthening public trust through proactive policing and coordinated efforts across states, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outernorth) Hareshwar Swami said.
As part of the programme, teams performed 'nukkad nataks' and screened awareness videos on cybercrime, drug abuse prevention, and senior citizen safety, sensitising the public about digital frauds and safety measures, officials said.
The initiative combines technology, investigation and community participation to ensure recovery of lost property and reconnect citizens with their valuables, they added.
