Just ahead of the vote counting for the Gorakhpur-Faizabad teacher MLC election in Uttar Pradesh, the Election Commission has made a significant administrative change. The commission has removed IAS officer Abhay Singh from his duties as the election observer. In his place, IAS officer Prakash Bind has been appointed as the new observer to oversee the electoral process. The counting of votes for this crucial election is scheduled to take place on October 27.
Action taken following Devendra Pratap Singh complaint
The administrative reshuffle comes in the wake of a formal email complaint sent to the Election Commission by rebel Bharatiya Janata Party MLC Devendra Pratap Singh on October 23, which was the day of polling. In his email, he raised serious questions regarding the deployment and appointment of Abhay Singh as the election observer, prompting the commission to review the situation and take immediate corrective action.
Controversy linked to CBI case from 2019
In his complaint, Devendra Pratap Singh specifically alleged that a criminal case was registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation against IAS officer Abhay Singh in connection with an illegal mining case back in 2019. The MLC questioned how a free and fair election could be guaranteed under the supervision of an officer facing such allegations, thereby demanding a change to safeguard the integrity of the democratic process.
Prakash Bind takes over new responsibilities
Following the review of the concerns raised in the complaint, the poll panel relieved Abhay Singh of his observer duties without delay. IAS officer Prakash Bind has now been entrusted with the responsibility to ensure that the remaining electoral steps, particularly the upcoming counting process, are conducted smoothly and impartially in the Gorakhpur-Faizabad constituency.
