UP Election Official Denies Caste Bias in Voter List Errors

Uttar Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa defended the state's electoral software against allegations of caste bias after erroneous names appeared in voter lists for the recent Legislative Council elections. The controversy erupted when Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh questioned why a voter named Ramhit Yadav was listed as "Ram ne Yadav ko Maara" (Ram hit Yadav), suggesting the error reflected a casteist agenda.

Rinwa explained that the errors resulted from software translating English words into Hindi rather than transliterating them, causing "Ram Hit Yadav" to be processed as a sentence. He dismissed claims of discrimination, noting that other bizarre entries existed, including "Ram ne Sharma ko mara." Rinwa stated that computers and software are not casteist and sarcastically remarked that the authorities avoided communalism charges only because the errors did not involve a minority.

While acknowledging the mistakes and promising corrective action to prevent recurrence, Rinwa alleged that some forged voter slips were being circulated on social media and announced that those responsible would face legal action. The errors surfaced following polling for Graduates' and Teachers' constituencies on October 23, with counting scheduled for October 27. Indian National Congress leader Supriya Shrinate criticized the situation, questioning the credibility of the electoral office.