Balyan triggers controversy, alleges fake voting by burka clad voters

BJP lawmaker from western Uttar Pradesh's Muzaffarnagar, Sanjeev Balyan alleged "fake" voting in his Lok Sabha constituency, claiming that faces of "burqa-clad" voters were not being verified by poll officials.

Muzaffarnagar: Former Union Minister and Muzaffarnagar BJP candidate, Dr Sanjiv Balyan triggered a controversy as he came to cast his vote at the polling station. Union Minister alleged that fake voting took place at several booths for there were no woman official to verify the faces for burka clad (veiled) voters lined up to cast votes.

"Faces of women in burkas were not being cross verified and I allege that fake voting has taken place there," Balyan said. Minister alleged that there were no women constables and no one checked and verified if the burka-clad voters were the same who were named in voters' list.

Balyan alleged that fake voting happened in Muzaffarnagar and he will demand a repoll if authorities do not look into the matter.

Muzaffarnagar has been a communal hotbed and witnessed tensions ahead of elections in 2017 assembly elections.

The controversial statement by the minister as the voting process is underway has drawn the attention of poll officials.

Some of the key constituencies that have gone to poll in the first phase of elections in Uttar Pradesh are Ghaziabad, Baghpat and Gautam Buddha Nagar.