Visually Impaired Tribal Woman in UP Village Pressurized to Vote For 'Lotus', Says She Wanted to Choose 'Elephant' Symbol

Chitrakoot- In Uttar Pradesh's Chitrakoot district, a visually impaired elderly tribal woman has alleged that election officials coerced her into voting for the BJP's lotus symbol on her behalf. This claim was brought to light by a local journalist, who visited the woman’s home, recorded her statement, and shared the video on social media, where it quickly went viral.

In response to the video's circulation, Sector Magistrate Parul Ahirwar filed an FIR against the journalist, accusing him of fabricating the video. The District Election Officer subsequently ordered an investigation into the allegations.

The woman has stated that officials threatened to stop her ration supply unless she made a video supporting their version of events. She later provided an affidavit confirming that she was indeed coerced into voting incorrectly.

Sector Magistrate Ahirwar, responsible for overseeing the elections, maintained that the elections were conducted transparently and that official videography supports this claim. She dismissed the journalist's video as fraudulent in her FIR. When approached, the District Election Officer/District Magistrate chose not to comment on the situation.

The incident took place in Dipu Kolan Kihuniya village, Manikpur tehsil, Chitrakoot district. Ratiya, an elderly woman from the tribal Kol caste, has accused election officials of coercing her into voting for the BJP's lotus symbol on May 11, 2024.

Polling parties had visited the village to facilitate voting for elderly and disabled individuals. In a viral video, Ratiya alleges that she was instructed by officials to vote for the lotus symbol. Being visually impaired, she had to follow their instructions.

Ratiya recounted, "That day, I was lying on a cot at home. Two persons entered, accompanied by Sampat, my neighbor Rajji’s wife. They held my hand and brought me outside, whispering in my ear to vote for the lotus. I wanted to vote for the elephant, but they ignored me." She has since filed a complaint affidavit with the Chief Election Commission regarding the incident.

Rajji, who appears to be Ratiya's daughter-in-law, confirmed the allegations. "I assisted Ratiya in voting. She cannot see and voted for the lotus symbol as instructed by the officials, despite wanting to vote for the elephant," she stated. Rajji has also submitted a complaint affidavit to the Chief Election Commission.

Another neighbor, Gudiya, supported these claims in a video recorded by journalist Sachin Vandan Tripathi and posted on social media. Gudiya stated that officials forced Ratiya to vote for the lotus symbol.

Journalist Sandeep Vandan Tripathi, who recorded and posted the videos, explained, "I received information about the incident from a relative and visited the family. I posted the video on my X handle because my newspaper is print. I informed the Sub-Collector, Deputy SP, and police station in-charge, but no action was taken."

When asked if he reported the news to his publication, Sandeep confirmed, "The news was sent, but due to the upcoming elections on May 20, it was held back. Journalist organizations will emphasize this issue and protest if no action is taken, potentially taking the matter to court."

Sector Magistrate Parul Ahirwar, who was on election duty, has denied the allegations, stating that the elections were conducted transparently and that official videography supports this claim. She described the journalist's video as fraudulent in her FIR. The District Election Officer/District Magistrate declined to comment on the matter.

Case Filed Against Journalist Over Viral Video Alleging Election Fraud

Sector Magistrate Parul Ahirwar has filed a case against journalist Sachin Vandan Tripathi concerning a viral video in which a blind tribal woman, Ratiya, accused election officials of coercing her to vote for the BJP's lotus symbol. The FIR alleges that Tripathi created and circulated a fake video. Ahirwar emphasized that the Porra elections were conducted transparently under the direction of Presiding Officer Hiralal, with videographic documentation of the election process.

Allegations of Threats and Coercion

The District Election Officer and District Magistrate of Chitrakoot have stated that an impartial investigation will be conducted into the allegations. Ratiya claims that after the video went viral, police and officials visited her house multiple times, threatened to stop her ration, and coerced her into making a video in their favor.

Azad Adhikar Sena to challenge the FIR

Former IPS officer and National President of Azad Adhikar Sena, Amitabh Thakur, has criticized the FIR against Tripathi, asserting that the case is groundless and intended to pressure the journalist.

Thakur argues that Section 67 of the IT Act, which pertains to sending obscene literature, does not apply as the video contains statements from women, not obscenities.

He further contends that Sections 182 and 188, which relate to providing false information to public servants and disobeying orders, respectively, have been misapplied.

Thakur explains that Tripathi did not name or position any specific officer or employee, thus these sections are not relevant to the case. Moreover, he states that Sections 468 and 469, which pertain to forgery and the use of forged documents, are irrelevant as the video appears genuine.

Thakur has announced that Azad Adhikar Sena plans to challenge the FIR in court, arguing that it has been filed wrongly and is intended merely to create pressure.

The Mooknayak approached District Election Officer/District Magistrate Abhishek Anand for comments on the controversy. He said, "The investigation of the entire case has been conducted. The women have stated that incorrect statements were taken from them. Additionally, the statement has also been videographed."

When asked about the allegations of threatening to stop ration during the investigation, the District Magistrate appeared evasive and refrained from making any statements.

-Story Translated by Geetha Sunil Pillai

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