Lucknow: Launching a sharp offensive against Election Commission, Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee on Tuesday accused chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar of operating under BJP’s influence to systematically delete marginalised voters from electoral rolls.Addressing reporters alongside AICC spokesperson Abhay Dubey and former minister CP Rai, UPCC chief Ajay Rai cited Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi’s recent visit to Delhi’s Yamuna riverfront, claiming 729 out of 730 eligible slum dwellers had their names struck off the voters’ list.He further alleged irregularities during the Varanasi parliamentary elections and reiterated the party’s intent to pursue impeachment proceedings against CEC.Rai also condemned the state administration’s clampdown on party workers during Monday’s statewide protests. He alleged that police registered false FIRs invoking severe Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) provisions — including attempt to murder, rioting and assault on public servants — against peaceful demonstrators in Agra, Gorakhpur, Saharanpur and Kasganj.Challenging the administration to release CCTV footage to substantiate charges of violence, Rai assured that the party will extend full legal support to jailed cadres.
