49.3 percent turnout was noted

The Election Commission on Wednesday ordered the suspension of several police officers for violating guidelines on voter ID verification during the Uttar Pradesh polls in nine constituencies, which recorded around 49.3 percent voter turnout.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinva said voter turnout was 67.1 percent in Meerapur, 57.7 percent in Kundarki. 33.3 percent in Ghaziabad, 46.3 percent in Khair, 54.1 percent in Karhal, 49.1 percent in Sisamau. 43.4 percent in Phulpur, 56.9 percent in Katheri and 50.4 percent in Majhwan.

The EC action came after serious allegations by both the Samajwadi Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party regarding voter suppression and irregularities at polling stations.

The order came from Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar to District Election Officers and Police Inspectors to ensure impartial and smooth polling. Officials were instructed to address all complaints and notify complainants through social media, tagging them in updates to maintain transparency.

The SP accused police personnel of preventing voters from casting their votes, especially in the Meerapur constituency of Muzaffarnagar district. The SP alleged that certain communities were targeted and prevented from casting their votes.

The BJP dismissed these allegations and instead requested that identity verification for burqa-clad voters be stepped up. The BJP alleged “fake voting” in some constituencies, including Sisamau.

SP president Akhilesh Yadav urged EC and Supreme Court to intervene and demanded immediate action against those responsible for voter suppression based on video evidence.

“All police officers checking voter cards and Aadhaar ID should be immediately suspended on the basis of video evidence,” he said.

He also stressed that the police have no right to check Aadhaar or identity cards, stating that only the voters are allowed to do so.

SP candidate from Meerapur, Sumbul Rana, accused police personnel of harassing voters and blocking their participation in the elections. “We go from village to village; people are harassed and not allowed to vote. Policemen disturb people and tell them they cannot vote,” Rana said.

She added that in areas like Nayagaon, Nagla Buzuk and Sambalheda, voters were repeatedly asked for multiple IDs, even when they presented the required documents. Rana further alleged that complaints were raised but not attended to by the authorities.

National Democratic Alliance Rashtriya Lok Dal candidate Mithlesh Pal alleged that people from outside the Meerapur constituency were brought in for “fake voting” and housed in madrasas and schools. Pal also claimed that “women in burqas” were used for such activities.

The RLD candidate defended the police’s action in checking voter ID, saying it was necessary to prevent fraudulent voting. “All this is happening because of the inflexible attitude of the police. We have lodged a report but the police cannot do anything at the moment,” she said.

In contrast, the BJP raised concerns over burqa-wearing women voters, claiming that their faces did not match the pictures on their identity cards.

BJP spokesperson Manish Shukla alleged that the SP, fearing defeat in the polls, had recruited external disruptive elements in the polling areas.

“According to several media reports, the faces of burqa-wearing women do not match their identity cards,” Shukla said.

The BJP appealed to the EC and the local administration to ensure strict enforcement of voter ID checks to prevent fraudulent voting.

The SP’s media cell also highlighted alleged violations of the voting code, particularly in the Kundarki constituency in Moradabad. The party claimed that its agents were not allowed to go near the polling stations. The district administration dismissed the allegation saying it was baseless. Moradabad District Magistrate Anuj Singh confirmed that no irregularities had been found after verifying the complaints, and stated that polling was proceeding smoothly with adequate security.

In Kanpur Nagar, SP candidate Naseem Solanki also raised concerns about biased behavior by the administration, citing complaints from party voters of being unfairly treated.

Meanwhile, tension escalated in Kakroli village during the Meerapur assembly polls on Wednesday when two groups clashed and pelted stones at each other. The reason for the confrontation was not immediately clear.

Senior Superintendent of Police Abhishek Singh confirmed that the police intervened quickly and dispersed the crowd using mild force. “The situation was brought under control and polling is going on peacefully,” Singh said.

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) candidate Mohammad Arshad claimed that voter turnout in Kakroli was low as the police prevented people from leaving their homes. He accused the police of “harassing voters” and likened their actions to “enemies of the people”. Arshad further alleged that AIMIM workers were being detained by the police.

Polling was held for nine assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday, including Katehari, Karhal, Ghaziabad, Sisamau, Meerapur, Phulpur, Kundarki, Khair and Majhawan.

Voting started at 7 am and ended at 5 pm. The votes will be counted on November 23.