Authorities respond swiftly as tension prevails after protests and stone-pelting incidents
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – Voting for the by-elections in the Mirapur assembly constituency witnessed disruptions in Kakroli village on Wednesday, where allegations of voter suppression led to public unrest. Protesters blocked roads, claiming they were being prevented from voting due to alleged discrepancies in their voter identification details.
The unrest began at a polling centre in Kakroli’s primary school, where several voters alleged that polling officials denied them their right to vote, citing mismatches in their names and photos on the electoral rolls. The aggrieved voters protested, blocking a major road in the area, reports reaching here said.
Senior police officers, including the SSP of Muzaffarnagar, Abhishek Singh, rushed to the scene to control the situation. Protesters were removed from the road, but tensions escalated as some individuals reportedly pelted stones at the police.
To prevent further escalation, a heavy police force was deployed across Kakroli village with senior officials patrolling the area. “The situation is under control, and voters are now coming out of their homes to exercise their democratic rights,” said SSP Singh.
Local authorities reassured residents that no eligible voter would be denied the right to vote. An official at the polling station explained, “The alleged discrepancies in voter details are being verified, and efforts are being made to address genuine concerns immediately.”
Former BJP MLA Vikram Saini cast his vote in his native village, Qawwal, and remarked, “Voting is proceeding peacefully. Isolated incidents should not overshadow the democratic process.” He praised the administration’s efforts to maintain order during the polls.
Accompanying Saini’s statement, district officials also inspected polling booths, including the Qawwal booth, to ensure smooth conduct of the elections.
Speaking to reporters, a resident of Kakroli said, “We came to vote early in the morning but were turned away because of errors in the voter list. This is not just about us; it is about our right to participate in the democratic process.”
Another voter expressed frustration at the lack of clarity from polling officials. “If there is an error in the records, it should be resolved. We feel our voices are being suppressed.”
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm and assured that all eligible voters will be allowed to cast their votes. “These issues arise occasionally during elections but are resolved on priority,” an election official stated.
The incident underscores the challenges of ensuring free and fair elections in populous constituencies like Mirapur. Voter suppression allegations, even when unintended, can lead to significant disruptions, highlighting the need for better voter roll management and training for polling officials.
Despite the disruption in Kakroli, polling is proceeding smoothly in other parts of the constituency. Officials remain vigilant, ensuring a peaceful and transparent voting process for all.
The by-election in Mirapur is seen as a significant political battle, with major parties vying to secure the seat. The high voter turnout reported in unaffected areas reflects the electorate’s enthusiasm to participate in shaping the region’s future.
As voting progresses, the administration hopes the day will conclude without further incidents, reinforcing the importance of democratic engagement and upholding the people’s faith in the electoral process.
