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Akhilesh Yadav: BJP won’t let funds reach SP as it ends I-PAC contract
The Samajwadi Party said it ended its contract with I-PAC due to a lack of funds, with Akhilesh Yadav alleging political interference by the BJP. The piece also notes an ED arrest of an I-PAC co-founder in April 2026 and Yadav’s broader accusations about electoral manipulation in past elections. The SP positions itself as remaining part of the INDIA alliance.
Why It Matters
The development highlights funding pressures in campaign management and evolving allegations of electoral manipulation in India ahead of a major state election.
Timeline
6 Events
May 6, 2026: SP to remain INDIA alliance partner
May 6, 2026
Yadav stated that the Samajwadi Party would continue to work as an INDIA alliance partner.
May 6, 2026: Yadav accuses BJP, EC of manipulation and references Bengal
May 6, 2026
Yadav criticized the BJP and the Election Commission, describing a 'multi-layered election mafia model' and alleging disenfranchisement of SP voters from Muslim and Yadav communities. He cited 2022 vote deletions, claimed SP counting agents were removed, and said the EC ignored objections. He referenced the West Bengal Special Intensive Revision (SIR), which reportedly deleted 90 lakh voters, and Mamata Banerjee's defeat to the BJP, linking these to broader concerns about election integrity.
May 6, 2026: SP ends I-PAC contract; Yadav cites funds shortage
May 6, 2026
At a press conference in Lucknow, Akhilesh Yadav announced that the Samajwadi Party had ended its contract with I-PAC, citing a lack of funds and stating, 'BJP won’t let funds reach us.' He said the association with I-PAC had been brief and implied funding constraints, rather than electoral results, drove the decision.
April 2026: Chandel released on bail
April 2026
Chandel was released on bail last week, following the arrest.
April 2026: ED arrests Vinesh Chandel, I-PAC co-founder
April 2026
The Enforcement Directorate arrested Vinesh Chandel, a co-founder of I-PAC, in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged coal scam in West Bengal.
2022: SP alleges UP bypoll disenfranchisement and vote manipulation
2022
In 2022, Akhilesh Yadav claimed around 18,000 votes were deleted or shifted in Uttar Pradesh bypolls. He alleged SP polling agents were removed forcibly and results were changed, central forces removed SP counting agents, and the Election Commission ignored objections. He also claimed that media houses were hand in glove with the BJP in a multi-layered election mafia.