SP Triumphs in UP Council Polls; Manoj Singh Kaka Alleges Counting Norm Violations
Samajwadi Party celebrates wins in UP Legislative Council polls, including Varanasi, while alleging vote counting SOP violations.
The Samajwadi Party (SP) is celebrating a significant breakthrough in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council elections, with party leaders hailing the results as a precursor to a larger political shift in the state. While the party claims victory across multiple seats, including a strategic win in Varanasi, tensions have flared at counting centres over alleged procedural lapses.
Victory in the Prime Minister's Constituency
In a notable development, the Samajwadi Party registered a victory in Varanasi, the parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The party's candidate, Lal Bihari Yadav, secured the Teachers' seat, marking a symbolic win for the SP in a high-profile region.
Samajwadi Party leader Manoj Singh Kaka expressed profound gratitude toward the electorate, specifically highlighting the role of the state's intellectuals. Speaking to reporters, Kaka stated that the party's National President is deeply thankful to the teachers and the educated youth of Uttar Pradesh for placing the Samajwadi Party at the forefront of this contest.
Allegations of SOP Violations
Despite the celebratory mood, Manoj Singh Kaka raised serious concerns regarding the conduct of the vote counting process in Varanasi. He alleged that the local administration failed to adhere to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) mandated by the Representation of the People Act.
Kaka pointed out that according to the rules, votes should be announced after every single round of counting. He claimed that this protocol was not being followed and noted that various allegations were raised during the counting process, suggesting a lack of transparency in the proceedings.
Dimple Yadav Sees Foundation for 2027
Adding to the party's momentum, SP MP Dimple Yadav claimed that the party has won five Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council (MLC) seats. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), she described the outcome as a "historic victory" that has laid a strong foundation for political change in the state.
Yadav attributed the success to the strength of the PDA (Pichhda, Dalit, Alpsankhyak) alliance, stating that the results reflect the trust of the youth and the deprived sections of society. She further asserted that this victory serves as an "advance seal" on a massive win for the SP in the upcoming 2027 Assembly elections, expressing confidence that the party will form a full-majority government.
Akhilesh Yadav’s Call to Vigilance
As the counting for 11 Legislative Council seats—comprising six teachers' and five graduates' constituencies—progressed, party chief Akhilesh Yadav urged his workers to remain vigilant. He instructed party representatives at the counting centres to stay steadfast and not leave until they had collected their official victory certificates.
In a show of camaraderie and support, Akhilesh Yadav also appealed to workers in Varanasi city to provide essentials such as food, water, umbrellas, and towels to their colleagues stationed at the counting centres. Warning against complacency, he encouraged them to keep their spirits high and remain alert, reminding them that "dawn will be ours."