SP vs Election Commission: DMs in Uttar Pradesh Reject Akhilesh Yadav’s Allegations on Voter Affidavits
Lucknow | August 19, 2025 – A fresh political row has erupted in Uttar Pradesh after Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav accused the Election Commission (EC) of mishandling voter affidavits and questioned the credibility of “Digital India.” In a sharp counter, several district magistrates across the state have issued clarifications rejecting his allegations and defending the integrity of the voter list revision process.
Akhilesh Yadav Questions Digital Receipts
On August 17, Yadav took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) claiming that the Election Commission had denied receiving affidavits submitted by the SP regarding wrongful deletions of voters’ names.
“The EC should check the receipts issued by their own office as proof of receipt of our affidavits. We demand that the Election Commission provide an affidavit confirming that the digital receipts sent to us are authentic. Otherwise, not only the Election Commission but even Digital India will come under suspicion,” Yadav wrote, adding, “If BJP goes, truth will prevail.”
Barabanki DM Rejects SP’s Claims
Responding swiftly, the Barabanki District Magistrate clarified on August 19 that affidavits concerning two voters from Assembly constituency 266-Kursi were indeed received and investigated.
“Affidavits from two voters were received regarding the alleged deletion of their names. The inquiry confirmed that both names are already registered in the voter list,” the DM said on X, dismissing the claims as inaccurate.
Jaunpur DM: Complaints Baseless
In Jaunpur district, allegations of wrongful deletion of five voters’ names from Assembly constituency 366-Jaunpur were also countered.
“A complaint was received via email regarding five voters. The investigation revealed that all five had passed away before 2022. This was confirmed by their families, local residents, and the councillor. Their names were removed as per rules, making the complaint baseless and misleading,” the Jaunpur DM clarified.
Kasganj DM Cites Duplicate Entries
Meanwhile, in Kasganj district, affidavits concerning eight voters from Assembly constituency 101-Amampur were probed.
“The investigation found that seven names were duplicate entries in the voter list, while one name was removed following the death of the voter, based on Form 7 filed by his wife. The seven duplicate names remain on the voter list even today,” the Kasganj DM explained.
EC Defends Procedure, Opposition Raises Questions
These rebuttals underline the Election Commission’s position that voter deletions are carried out strictly under prescribed procedures, often on grounds of duplication, death, or verified relocation.
However, the episode highlights growing political friction over electoral transparency. Opposition leaders, particularly Akhilesh Yadav, are expected to make voter list management a central flashpoint ahead of the upcoming elections.
Political Stakes Rise
While district officials have attempted to set the record straight, Yadav’s allegations tap into broader concerns around the use of digital technology in governance. By linking the issue to the credibility of Digital India, the SP chief has signaled that the controversy could escalate beyond Uttar Pradesh, potentially framing the larger national debate on electoral fairness.