In a development raising concerns over electoral integrity, the son of a BJP leader, Vijay Bhabhor, was apprehended for livestreaming inside a polling booth during Gujarat’s Lok Sabha elections on May 7. The incident, which occurred in Dahod constituency, sparked outrage after Bhabhor’s Instagram video surfaced, depicting him using abusive language while purportedly casting his vote.
Accompanied by a polling agent, Bhabhor’s actions drew widespread condemnation, with footage capturing his alleged assertion, “machine aapne baap nu che” (the machine belongs to my father). The video, which quickly circulated on social media, led to swift action by authorities.
Following complaints from opposition parties, including Congress candidate Prabha Taviad, law enforcement took prompt measures, detaining Bhabhor and his associate. Taviad, along with Congress spokesperson Manish Doshi, condemned the incident, alleging electoral malpractice and demanding fresh polling for the affected constituency.
The episode underscores broader concerns regarding electoral transparency and the sanctity of democratic processes. Amidst heightened scrutiny, the Election Commission has launched an investigation into the matter, emphasising the need to uphold fair and impartial elections.
The BJP, meanwhile, distanced itself from the controversy, reiterating its commitment to electoral integrity. Nevertheless, the incident has reignited debates surrounding electoral misconduct and the role of political actors in ensuring free and fair elections.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are faced with the task of addressing public apprehensions and safeguarding the democratic principles enshrined in India’s electoral framework.
