The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Uttar Pradesh has issued an official apology following severe backlash over controversial comments posted from its official social media handle and major discrepancies in the state’s electoral rolls.
The controversy escalated after Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh held a press conference in Lucknow on Monday, accusing the UP CEO’s office of acting like an “agent of the BJP”.
Controversial Post and Electoral Roll Errors Spark Outrage
Sanjay Singh flagged several objectionable entries in the voter list, pointing out glaring errors that sparked widespread political debate.
”The name of ‘Mohammad Iqbal Beg’ has been recorded as ‘Mohammad Iqbal bheekh maangte hain’,” Sanjay Singh revealed during the press briefing, calling for strict disciplinary action against UP CEO Navdeep Rinwa for the inappropriate remarks and errors.
The outrage intensified after a response posted from the official UP CEO handle contained politically charged and caste-sensitive language, drawing sharp criticism from opposition parties and voters alike.
Election Body Regrets Tone, Promises Civil Communication
In response to the mounting criticism, the office of the UP CEO issued a formal apology on Tuesday, acknowledging that the language used from the official account fell well below expected administrative standards.
”The tone, language and sharpness of the comments in the quoted post from this handle are not in keeping with the kind of communication expected from an official handle,” the official statement read. “The genuine outrage sparked by the comments in the post has been duly noted. We sincerely apologise to those who have been shocked and angered by them. From now on, our communication will be civil and formal.”
