UP: Serious irregularities found in Azamgarh electoral rolls; Action ordered against officials

Lucknow: Serious irregularities have been detected following an probe into concerns raised by the regarding electoral rolls in Uttar Pradesh. The state’s Chief Electoral Officer has ordered action against the staff responsible after the name ‘Vikas Yadav’ appeared multiple times in the electoral roll for Assembly Constituency No. 347 in Azamgarh.

Proceedings have been initiated against the then-Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) and two Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) over negligence in the preparation of the electoral roll and inadequate supervision.

Samajwadi Party held press conference on Oct 15

Earlier, on October 15, the Samajwadi Party held a press conference, alleging that the name ‘Vikas Yadav’ appeared 10 times in the electoral roll for Assembly Constituency No. 347 in Azamgarh. Taking immediate cognisance of the matter, the Chief Electoral Officer sought a detailed investigation report from the District Election Officer of Azamgarh.

According to the investigation report, the name ‘Vikas Yadav’ appeared a total of 13 times in the electoral roll for the constituency in question. Two of these entries had already been deleted in accordance with established procedures. The remaining 11 entries were found to belong to 11 distinct individuals residing in different villages across Azamgarh district.

The investigation further revealed that, apart from the actual Vikas Yadav, the other 10 individuals had been asked to submit Form 8 to correct their names and other personal details. Additionally, one voter sharing both the same name and the same father’s name was identified as a resident of the Chauri-Chaura Assembly constituency in Gorakhpur district. This entry is separate from those found in the Azamgarh electoral roll.

Action against computer assistant and five BLOs

A computer assistant at the Voter Registration Centre and five Booth Level Officers (BLOs) found responsible for the irregularities have been ordered to be relieved of all duties related to electoral rolls. Instructions have also been issued to serve notices on these six employees regarding their possible removal from service.

Authorities have further stated that notices will be issued to the concerned computer assistant and Booth Level Officers before any action is taken against them under Section 32 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.