Indian opposition leaders allege electoral manipulation and fake surveys

Opposition leaders in India have raised allegations of electoral manipulation and misinformation ahead of upcoming assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Punjab.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of manipulating voter lists in Uttar Pradesh. Yadav claims that approximately 19 lakh fake voters have been identified, alleging that the process involves the support of the state administration and the Election Commission. He cited ten specific tactics intended to influence elections, including the registration of bogus voters, the removal of opposition supporters from rolls, and the manipulation of electronic voting machines.

Separately, Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati has alleged that a malicious campaign of fake and misleading surveys is being conducted to target her party. Mayawati claimed that casteist elements in the media and social media are using financial power to influence public perception and portray the BSP as electorally weaker ahead of the elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Punjab.