NSUI stages protest over voter fraud in Lucknow, clashes with police outside EC office

The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) staged a massive protest outside the Election Commission office in Lucknow on Wednesday over alleged voter fraud and suppression of opposition voices.

Some activists of the Samajwadi Party Mahila Sabha also joined the NSUI in the protest.

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The protest quickly escalated when demonstrators broke through police barricades and attempted to lay siege to the commission’s office.

The protest triggered intense scuffles between NSUI members and police, lasting nearly half an hour. Authorities eventually detained several protesters, dragging them into police vehicles. They were later released at Eco Garden Park.

NSUI leaders accused the Election Commission of acting as a puppet of the central government, claiming that democracy in the country is under severe threat. “The central government has come to power through stolen votes,” said NSUI Uttar Pradesh President Anas Rahman. “This is a betrayal of the Constitution. The people’s mandate has been manipulated.”

He referenced the recent detention of Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, and others in Delhi, criticising the government for trying to silence opposition voices. “This is no longer just politics—it’s a battle to save the Constitution,” Rahman said. “That’s why we’re here at the Election Commission office. The Commission must respond to Rahul Gandhi’s allegations with evidence.”

Rahman directly accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of electoral theft. “Modi became Prime Minister through rigged votes. The public is rising in protest across the country. We will break every barrier to protect the Constitution.”

NSUI leaders claimed that lakhs of votes have been fraudulently manipulated and that the Election Commission has remained silent despite clear evidence provided by opposition leaders. “This silence indicates complicity,” said Rahman. “We will continue this fight from the streets to the Parliament.”

Shubham, an NSUI member, called the current administration a dictatorship.

“This is not just about voter fraud; this is about the death of democracy. The people will respond strongly.”

The NSUI had previously announced its intention to protest outside the Election Commission’s office in Hazratganj, prompting heavy police deployment in advance. The area was transformed into a security fortress, with local police and PAC personnel stationed around the premises, and the roads leading to the office heavily barricaded.

Despite the security measures, NSUI protesters managed to breach some of the barriers, resulting in chaotic scenes before the police regained control.

The NSUI has vowed to continue its demonstrations, stating that the battle to protect India’s democracy and Constitution is far from over.