Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has mounted a sharp challenge against the Election Commission of India (ECI). His move coincides with Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s Voter Adhikar Yatra in Bihar, a 16-day, 1,300 km campaign through more than 20 districts. The SP has doubled down on its “vote chori” allegations, accusing the EC of hiding facts. When Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar denied receiving affidavits on voter fraud from Uttar Pradesh, Yadav demanded that the poll body itself submit an affidavit to back its claim. “If the EC says it has not received our affidavits, what about the receipts we hold?” he asked.
Karikot carves a niche for itself in rural tourism
Karikot, a village near the India-Nepal border in UP’s Bahraich district, has become a beacon for rural tourism. Its recognition by the International Centre for Responsible Tourism, India Foundation Award 2025, has placed it on the global map. To be conferred in New Delhi on Sept 13 at the BLTM Trade Show, the award honours community-driven models. The villagers, with the backing of the tourism department, have opened homestays and launched border tourism projects. Women and youth have gained livelihoods through showcasing cuisine, crafts, and folk traditions. The Tharu tribal community’s involvement has been crucial.
SBSP set to be a key ally for BJP beyond UP
A rally in Bihar’s Arwal district on August 24 by the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP), led by O.P. Rajbhar, will have a prominent guest: Home Minister Amit Shah. The event may signal the BJP-SBSP alliance’s expansion into the state, which faces Assembly elections later this year. Rajbhar has identified nearly 29 constituencies—including Sasaram, West Champaran, Nawada, Nalanda, Gaya, Aurangabad, and Bettiah—for contest. “We seek close coordination with the BJP and a fair number of seats,” Rajbhar said, while confirming talks with the party’s top leadership—the move positions SBSP as a strategic ally for the BJP beyond Uttar Pradesh.
Namita Bajpai
Our correspondent in Uttar Pradesh
namita.bajpai@newindianexpress.com