EC should probe poor voter turnout: BJP

Expressing serious concern at low turn out of voters during successive phases of polling in Uttar Pradesh, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Sunday urged the Election Commission to investigate as to how the a large number of names of genuine voters failed to find mention in the voter's list.

"The responsibility of the EC is not only to ensure free and fair polling but also to see that no genuine voter is deprived of his right to vote. The commission should look into the reasons behind the low turnouts," senior BJP leader Yashwant Sinha told media persons in Lucknow.

Sinha, while congratulating the EC for ensuring peaceful voting, alleged that the sense of fear and terror did prevail at some places.

He urged the Commission to take notice of a Samajwadi Party candidate, seeking votes in the name of the dreaded dacoit Dadua in Chitrakoot district.

Sinha also referred to an alleged list of state civil service officers sent to the Centre for being promoted to IAS level, which contained names of some 'tainted' officials and also a 'relative' of the Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav.

Action should be taken against the chief minister if the names were found to be sent after his permission, he demanded.