Manglaur: A clash between two groups during the by-election in Uttarakhand’s Manglaur has resulted in several injuries. The Manglaur bypoll was necessitated by the death of sitting BSP MLA Sarwat Karim Ansari in October last year.
Congress candidate Qazi Nizamuddin alleged that miscreants were openly firing, calling it a “murder of Democracy.” He claimed that there were no ambulances or measures to assist the injured.
Other videos also surfaced on X claiming that Muslims were allegedly attacked with sticks before voting.
SP Rural Swapan Kishore Singh, however, stated that the situation was under control and voting was proceeding peacefully. He confirmed that a police force was deployed and there was no confirmation of gunfire.
Voting is currently underway in the Manglaur and Badrinath assembly constituencies, running from 8 am to 6 pm. In Manglaur, the BSP has nominated Ubedur Rehman, son of the late MLA Sarwat Karim Ansari. He faces Congress candidate Qazi Nizamuddin and BJP’s Kartar Singh Bhadana, a prominent Gujjar leader.
In Badrinath, the seat became vacant after Congress MLA Rajendra Bhandari resigned and joined the BJP. The contest involves BJP’s Rajendra Bhandari, Congress newcomer Lakhpat Singh Butola, former CRPF officer Himmat Singh of the Sainik Samaj Party, and journalist Naval Khali as an Independent candidate.
The vote counting for the bypolls is scheduled for July 13.
