Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) [India]: As the fifth round of counting for the Milkipur Assembly by-election concludes, BJP candidate Chandrabhanu Paswan is leading by 14,339 votes against his closest rival, Ajit Prasad of the Samajwadi Party (SP), according to the Election Commission website.
With 25 rounds of counting still remaining, the contest remains intense.
Why the By-Election Was Held
The by-election in Milkipur was necessitated after SP MP Awadhesh Prasad vacated the seat following his victory in the Lok Sabha election from Faizabad (Ayodhya) last year.
The voter turnout for the election, held on February 5, was recorded at 57.13%, with tight security measures in place for counting day.
“The security is complete, and paramilitary forces have been deployed 24/7,” said Ayodhya DM Chandra Vijay Singh.
Political Significance of Milkipur
The Scheduled Castes (SC)-reserved constituency is a crucial battleground for both BJP and SP. In the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, SP’s Awadhesh Prasad defeated BJP’s incumbent MLA Gorakhnath.
Previously, Prasad had also defeated BJP’s sitting MP Lallu Singh in the Lok Sabha election, winning by 54,567 votes—a major setback for the BJP, especially after the consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
Akhilesh Yadav Accuses BJP of Election Malpractice
SP chief Akhilesh Yadav has alleged that the BJP manipulated the Milkipur by-election by bringing in party workers from neighboring districts to cast fake votes.
“I invite all to witness how democracy is being handled in a BJP-ruled state. BJP has called their workers from Ambedkar Nagar, Sultanpur, and Amethi for fake voting. Even presiding officers were receiving instructions. It was a well-planned election,” Yadav claimed.
Further attacking the Election Commission, he added, “The Election Commission is dead. We will have to gift them white cloth.”
Police Deny SP’s Claims
Akhilesh Yadav had also alleged that the police were checking voter ID cards. However, in response, Ayodhya Police refuted the claims, clarifying that only booth agents’ ID cards were being checked, not those of voters.
“We request the former Chief Minister to refrain from making false statements,” the Ayodhya Police stated.
Looking Ahead
As vote counting continues, all eyes remain on whether BJP can reclaim Milkipur or if SP will hold onto the seat despite their allegations against the ruling party.