BSP has suffered a huge defeat in the Uttar Pradesh by-elections. Mayawati has blamed EVMs for this humiliating defeat and has declared that the Bahujan Samaj Party will not contest any by-elections now. In the by-elections held on nine seats in Uttar Pradesh, BSP candidates came third in seven constituencies, while on two seats they came fifth, behind the candidates of Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) and AIMIM.

What did the BSP chief say

BSP chief Mayawati while talking to journalists on Sunday said, "Our party has decided that till the Election Commission of the country takes some strict steps to stop fake voting in the country, our party will not contest any by-election in the country. Whereas in general elections, some protection is definitely provided in this matter. Because the government machinery is afraid of the change of power."

Mayawati accused of rigging

Earlier, Mayawati said that there is a general discussion among people about the votes cast and the results that came this time that earlier when elections were held in the country through ballot papers, fake votes were cast by misusing power and now this is being done through EVMs as well. Mayawati claimed that not only this, but now these activities are happening more openly, especially during by-elections, instead of general elections. She said, "We saw this in the by-elections of Uttar Pradesh. Similar concerns have been raised about the elections in Maharashtra. This is a big warning for democracy in our country."

Demand from Election Commission

Mayawati said that given this situation, our party has decided that until the Election Commission of India takes strict measures to prevent fake voting, we will not participate in any by-election across the country, especially in Uttar Pradesh. I am specifically referring to the by-elections here.