BJP workers forcefully applying ink on fingers of Dalit voters in Uttar Pradesh's Chandauli: SP

Image Courtesy: ANI

LUCKNOW: Several residents of Tara Jivanpur village in Uttar Pradesh's Chandauli on Sunday claimed that ink was forcefully applied on their fingers by some BJP workers. The villagers said that three men from their village gave them Rs 500 on Saturday and said that they were from BJP. Talking to ANI, a villager said, "The men were from BJP and they asked us if we'll vote for the party. They told us now you can't vote. Don't tell anyone."

Chandauli: Residents of Tara Jivanpur village allege ink was forcefully applied to their fingers & they were given Rs 500 y'day by 3 men of their village. Say, "They were from BJP&asked us if we'll vote for the party. They told us now you can't vote. Don't tell anyone." (18.05) pic.twitter.com/yICJKNPwdt — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 19, 2019

Commenting on the incident, Chandauli SDM Kr Harsh said that some villagers have reached the police station with their complaints. He added that proper action will be taken as per the complaint filed by the affected villagers. The SDM noted that the complainants can still exercise their voting right because the election had not begun when the ink was 'forcefully' applied on their fingers. 

"Complainants are present at police station. We will take action as per the complaint they file. They are still eligible to cast votes as the elections hadn't begun then, they will have to mention in the FIR that ink was forcefully applied to them," SDM Harsh told ANI.

Chandauli SDM Kr Harsh: Complainants are present at police station. We will take action as per the complaint they file. They are still eligible to cast votes as the elections hadn't begun then, they will have to mention in the FIR that ink was forcefully applied to them. (18.5) pic.twitter.com/PJdjxl5SKj — ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) May 19, 2019

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party (SP) has claimed that ink was forcefully applied on the fingers of Dalit voters in order to stop them from casting their votes. The SP has complained to Election Commission over this matter.

SP spokesperson Manoj Dhoopchandi tweeted that Dalits across Chandauli are being stopped from casting their votes. He has urged the EC to ensure that everyone is allowed to exercise their voting rights in order to keep democracy alive.

पूरे चंदौली लोकसभा में हुआ इस तरह का खेल
अब इनका वोट कैसे पड़ेगा @ECISVEEP @ceoup @adgzonevaranasi
लोकतंत्र को जिंदा रखने के लिये इस तरह के पीड़ित लोगों के वोट डालने की व्यवस्था कराई जाये। https://t.co/UnRztAKcfN — Manoj Dhoopchandi (@manojdhopchandi) May 19, 2019

In another tweet, the SP spokesperson said that BJP supporters are forcefully applying ink on the fingers of Dalit voters in Latauni Ajgara Assembly constituency. Meanwhile, the BJP is yet to respond to the SP's allegations.