Violence Mars Manglaur Assembly Bypoll in Uttarakhand

An incident of violence disrupted the Manglaur assembly bypoll in Uttarakhand, leaving four people injured. A clash occurred between party workers, with allegations of voter suppression and firing. Meanwhile, polling in Badrinath remained peaceful. The final voter turnout for both constituencies may be revised. Vote counting will take place on July 13.

An incident of violence marred the Manglaur assembly bypoll in Uttarakhand on Wednesday, leaving four people injured. Despite recording a 67.28 per cent polling rate, tensions plagued the constituency.

Polling in Badrinath, another constituency, remained peaceful with a 47.68 per cent turnout, though officials noted that the final figures could be revised.

The BSP fielded Ubedur Rehman in Manglaur, while Congress' Qazi Nizamuddin faced off against BJP's Kartar Singh Bhadana. In Badrinath, it was a direct contest between BJP's Rajendra Bhandari and Congress newcomer Lakhpat Singh Butola.

Roorkee Civil Line Kotwali in-charge R K Saklani reported a clash between party workers at booth number 53-54 in Manglaur, resulting in four injuries. Nizamuddin, who was seen helping an injured man, accused the BJP of inciting violence to disrupt democracy. Allegations included firing by anti-social elements, though police and district administration denied such incidents.

State BJP President Mahendra Bhatt countered, claiming it was a Congress conspiracy to sway voters. Congress leaders condemned the violence, blaming BJP and the authorities. A Congress delegation plans to lodge a formal complaint.

Manglaur has historically been a BSP or Congress stronghold. Badrinath's seat fell vacant after Congress MLA Rajendra Bhandari switched to BJP. Besides major party candidates, Badrinath's other contenders include a Sainik Samaj Party candidate and an Independent journalist.

Votes will be counted on July 13.