Instances of voter intimidation, coercion, and even violence have marred the electoral process, raising concerns about the BJP’s commitment to fair and democratic elections.
Team Clarion
BHOPAL — A disturbing incident of electoral malpractice has come to light in Madhya Pradesh. A minor child, the son of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, was captured on video casting a vote alongside his father, Vinay Mehar. The footage, being circulated widely on social media, has reignited concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and raised questions about the ruling dispensation’s adherence to election regulations.
The video, posted on a BJP leader’s Facebook page, shows Mehar and his son inside a polling booth during the Lok Sabha elections in the third phase on May 7. In the clip, the child can be seen pressing a button on the electronic voting machine, which prominently displays the lotus symbol associated with the BJP. Following the vote, Mehar is heard saying, ‘Done son’, indicating their completion of the voting process.
The incident drew swift condemnation from opposition leaders, including Piyush Babile, media advisor to former chief minister Kamal Nath. Babile’s post on social media prompted local authorities to launch an investigation into the matter. District Collector Kaushalendra Vikram Singh has reportedly sanctioned the probe, leading to the suspension of polling station officer Sandeep Saini and several other officials, including Manoj Kumar Maurya, Madan Gopal Patel, and C.R. Batham.
This egregious violation of electoral norms is not an isolated incident. Similar transgressions have been reported in other states, including Uttar Pradesh, Assam, and Gujarat. Instances of voter intimidation, coercion, and even violence have marred the electoral process, raising concerns about the BJP’s commitment to fair and democratic elections.
In Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, reports emerged of voters being denied their fundamental right to cast a ballot, with instances of identity card destruction and physical assault. Similarly, in Assam’s Karimganj, BJP leaders allegedly resorted to threats and intimidation tactics to sway voters in their favour, undermining the democratic process.
Furthermore, the BJP has faced scrutiny for unconventional electoral manoeuvres in various constituencies across the country. Instances of opposition candidates withdrawing from the race under dubious circumstances, paving the way for uncontested victories by BJP candidates, have raised suspicions of foul play and electoral manipulation.
In light of these alarming developments, calls for accountability and transparency in the electoral process have grown louder. The incident in Madhya Pradesh underscores the urgent need for stringent enforcement of electoral laws and measures to safeguard the integrity of the country’s democratic institutions.