14 May 2024: A video of BJP MP candidate Dharmapuri Arvind, causing a commotion at a polling booth in Nizamabad constituency, has gone viral. Arvind is seen arguing with Muslim women voters wearing niqab, questioning their identity verification process. This incident raises concerns about interference in the voting process.
Arvind, the incumbent MP of Nizamabad, is seen in the video shouting at the staff present at the polling booth, demanding to know if the Muslim women voters were allowed to vote without comparing their faces and ID cards. This behavior has sparked outrage, with many questioning Arvind’s misconduct and unnecessary involvement in a process overseen by female polling agents.
The incident comes amid growing scrutiny of election-related interference, exemplified by the case against Hyderabad BJP candidate Madhavi Latha. Latha was booked for similar actions at a polling booth in Malakpet, where she asked burqa-clad women to lift their veils for identity verification. The video of Latha’s actions prompted criticism on social media and led to a case registered against her under several sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Representation of the People Act.
These incidents highlight the need for respect for voters’ rights and privacy, as well as the proper conduct of candidates and officials during the electoral process.
