AIUDF Leader Accuses BJP of Electoral Fraud in Nagaon Bypoll
Allegations of Manipulation in Nagaon Bypoll
A file image of AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal. (Photo: PTI)
Guwahati, Oct 16: Following the announcement of the Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll results, where BJP candidate Devasish Sharma emerged victorious, AIUDF leader Aminul Islam has raised serious allegations regarding the integrity of the election process. Islam claimed that the election was manipulated to favor the BJP.
During a press conference held at a thanksgiving rally in Samaguri, alongside Ajmal, Islam accused BJP supporters and independent agents of engaging in fraudulent voting practices to sway the results of the October 6 bypoll.
He asserted that between 16 to 20 agents were stationed at a single polling location, casting votes on behalf of individuals who were not present in Assam.
Islam further alleged that between 100,000 and 200,000 votes from Muslims working outside the state were illegally cast in support of the BJP candidate.
“The electorate had chosen Maulana Badruddin Ajmal as their representative, but the BJP ensured Devasish Sharma's victory through coercive means,” Islam claimed, insisting that Ajmal was the true choice of the voters.
The rally aimed to express gratitude to the voters for their backing. However, the claims of electoral fraud remain unverified, and Islam did not present any evidence to support his assertions.
Sharma secured the Nagaon Lok Sabha bypoll with a margin of 142,224 votes, garnering 714,349 votes compared to Ajmal’s 572,125. Congress candidate Sibamoni Bora trailed in third place with 129,492 votes.
This by-election was prompted by the resignation of former Congress MP Pradyut Bordoloi, who subsequently joined the BJP.
While the polling on October 6 was generally peaceful, there were reports of physical altercations, violations of the Model Code of Conduct, and issues with electronic voting machines (EVMs).
At polling booth No. 184 in Samaguri, Ajmal visited after receiving complaints about an EVM malfunction. He alleged that while the buttons for other candidates were operational, his button was not functioning.
“There seems to be some manipulation. The machine needs to be replaced, and I will remain here at the polling center until that happens,” Ajmal stated.
Technical difficulties with EVMs were also reported at polling stations in Raha and Laharighat, but these issues were resolved, allowing the voting process to continue.
The recent allegations have intensified the political rivalry between the AIUDF and the BJP in the wake of the bypoll results, with Islam questioning the legitimacy of Sharma’s victory despite the substantial margin.