Akhilesh Yadav Proposes Metal Voter Cards, Biometric Checks To Prevent Poll Rigging

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has demanded Aadhaar-linked voting, biometric verification and tamper-proof voter identity cards ahead of the 2027 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, alleging that these measures could prevent electoral manipulation.

In a post on X on November 9, Yadav proposed replacing paper and plastic voter ID cards with metal cards to prevent forgery. He also called for fingerprint or iris-based biometric identification at polling stations, arguing that unique biometric details would ensure that only genuine voters cast their ballots.

He suggested linking Aadhaar with electoral rolls and introducing biometric reading devices at polling booths. Yadav maintained that the technology was affordable and could help address irregularities in the electoral process.

To support his concerns, Yadav reportedly cited alleged voter-list discrepancies, including a case involving more than 100 forms submitted in the name of one individual in Lucknow's Sarojini Nagar constituency. He also referred to instances of voters allegedly being registered at multiple polling booths. These claims have not been independently established.

Yadav had earlier criticised the quality of photographs on voter ID cards and alleged that fake Aadhaar cards were being used during elections. He has also expressed support for ballot paper voting instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), claiming that his party had submitted thousands of affidavits to the Election Commission regarding alleged voting irregularities.

His latest demands come amid Opposition protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. INDIA bloc parties have demanded his resignation and withdrawal of the exercise.

Uttar Pradesh will go to Assembly polls in 2027, with the Samajwadi Party seeking to return to power after defeats in 2017 and 2022.