Setback for SP: BJP takes early lead in Milkipur Bypoll in UP
Ayodhya: The BJP has taken an early lead in the Milkipur by-election, with initial rounds of vote counting underway. The counting process for the crucial seat in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, began on Saturday, drawing intense attention from both the BJP and the Samajwadi Party (SP).
Phase-wise results are being announced, with a tight contest unfolding between BJP and SP. In the initial postal ballot count, the BJP has taken the lead.
Before the vote counting commenced, BJP candidate Chandrabhanu Paswan visited a temple and offered prayers. He is contesting against SP’s Ajit Prasad.
Supporters of both parties are closely tracking the results, with each side confident of victory. Initially votes from postal ballots, elderly voters, and disabled voters are being counted.
DM Chandra Vijay Singh, SSP Rajkaran Nayyar and other officials, along with Election Commission observers, are stationed at the counting centre to oversee the process.
Meanwhile, SP MP Awadhesh Prasad has accused the BJP of electoral misconduct. He claimed that the party engaged in dishonest practices during the by-election. Prasad added that the SP had repeatedly raised concerns with the Election Commission, but no action was taken. He remains confident that the BJP will face defeat.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak responded to Awadhesh Prasad, saying, "BJP is winning in Milkipur. Whenever the SP loses, they make baseless allegations. The people of the state are well aware of this."
Ayodhya Senior Superintendent of Police Rajkaran Nayyar confirmed that vote counting is proceeding as per protocol. Tight security arrangements have been made at the counting centre, with police forces deployed under the supervision of senior officers.
The by-election was necessitated after SP MP Awadhesh Prasad won the Faizabad Lok Sabha seat in the 2024 elections. His son has been nominated by the SP to contest the Milkipur seat.
The bypoll was conducted on February 5. Since polling day, the SP has repeatedly accused the police and the Election Commission of electoral malpractice.
IANS