Former Union Minister and Muzaffarnagar BJP candidate Sanjeev Balyan on claimed that there was ‘fake voting’ going on in his constituency, mentioning that faces of ‘burqa-clad’ voters were not being verified by poll officials.
“Faces of women in burqa are not being checked and I allege that fake voting is taking place,” Balyan told ANI after casting his ballot.
He also added that he would demand a re-poll if his concerns are not addressed.
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Rashtriya Lok Dal chief Ajit Singh is also a contender from Muzaffarnagar, a communally sensitive seat in western Uttar Pradesh. The constituency gained notoriety in the aftermath of the Muzaffarnagar riots in 2013.
Muslims constitute the single biggest electorate in the constituency. The Dalit community has the second biggest chunk of voters. Jats, who dominate the landscape of western UP, are also influential in the constituency.
Voting for the first phase of general elections is underway for 91 Lok Sabha constituencies.
(With inputs from ANI)