Akhilesh Yadav calls it “vote dacoity”, demands BLO protection

December 9, 2025

Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Akhilesh Yadav has strongly condemned the recent by‑polls, terming the alleged irregularities not merely as “vote chori” (vote theft) but as full-fledged “vote dacoity”. He claimed that what is often dismissed as minor discrepancies in the electoral process is actually part of a larger systemic effort to manipulate voter rolls and poll outcomes. According to Yadav, this manipulation disproportionately affects backward, Dalit, and minority communities, undermining their right to fair representation and participation in the democratic process.

Demand for Electoral Reforms

In response to these alleged irregularities, Yadav has demanded immediate and substantial electoral reforms. He urged the Election Commission of India (EC) to publicly disclose data regarding the ongoing voter roll revisions and to investigate claims of bogus voting, administrative bias, and deletion of legitimate voter names. He stressed that without transparency and accountability, elections risk being compromised, and voters could be systematically disenfranchised. Yadav also called for suspension or removal of officials found culpable for manipulating voter lists.

Protection for BLOs

Yadav highlighted the need for protection of Booth Level Officers (BLOs), who he said face extreme pressure and intimidation while performing their duties during voter list revisions. He warned that many BLOs are at risk of harassment or even threats to their safety in regions where electoral manipulations are being carried out. Ensuring their safety and impartiality, according to Yadav, is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.

Accusations of Targeted Voter Deletions

The SP leader alleged that the ongoing voter roll revisions disproportionately target constituencies where his party or opposition groups had performed well in earlier elections. Tens of thousands of legitimate voters, especially from marginalized communities, reportedly face deletion from electoral rolls, which Yadav described as a calculated move to tilt the results in favor of ruling parties. He characterized these actions as politically motivated, rather than genuine efforts to improve electoral accuracy.

Context and Broader Implications

Yadav’s claims come amid nationwide scrutiny of voter roll revisions under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. This is not the first time he has raised such concerns; earlier, he publicly supported similar allegations made by other opposition leaders. Analysts say Yadav’s vocal demands for electoral reforms, transparency, and protection for BLOs aim to press the EC to act swiftly and prevent further disenfranchisement of vulnerable communities. With upcoming elections, these accusations could intensify pressure on the Election Commission and amplify debates around voter rights and administrative accountability.