Yogi Govt restricts Muslim, Yadav field officers to influence by-elections
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In a contentious move ahead of upcoming by-elections, the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh is reportedly reducing the field postings of Muslim and Yadav officers. The opposition alleges that this decision is a deliberate attempt to sway the elections in favour of the ruling party.
According to reports, the BJP government has begun excluding Muslim and Yadav officers from key roles in the 10 districts where the by-elections are scheduled. The opposition parties, including the Samajwadi Party (SP) and its ally Congress, have condemned this shift as a calculated effort to manipulate the electoral process.
The SP has highlighted the replacement of 11 Muslim Booth Level Officers (BLOs) in the Majhwan assembly constituency, one of the areas set for by-elections. They argue that such replacements, based on religious identity, undermine the democratic process and question the impartiality of the elections.
Congress has echoed similar concerns, accusing the BJP of targeting individuals based on religion and caste. They believe that the BJP’s strategy of replacing officers from Muslim and Yadav communities with those from other castes will not yield positive results for the ruling party in the upcoming elections.
This move is not unprecedented; the opposition had previously raised objections regarding the reshuffling of officials before other by-elections. The SP had earlier submitted a memorandum protesting against the replacement of officers from Yadav and Muslim communities in several constituencies, alleging it was an attempt to manipulate electoral outcomes.
In Moradabad, another district preparing for by-elections, reports suggest a significant absence of Muslim and Yadav officers in prominent field-related positions, with only one exception. Transfers of key officers, including the removal of Shivraj Yadav from his position as ADCP in Prayagraj, have further fueled allegations of bias.
Political analysts suggest that the BJP’s strategy might extend to lower administrative levels in preparation for the 2027 assembly elections if successful. The government is also reportedly monitoring the caste of rival candidates and making adjustments in districts where the opposition may field candidates from specific castes.