New Delhi: With former Kanpur Police Commissioner Asim Arun joining the BJP days after taking voluntary retirement, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday expressed his disappointment with the same and said he will complain to the Election Commission to remove all officials who have worked with the IPS officer in the last five years.
The Samajwadi Party chief said if these officers are not removed then they will continue to work as the BJP workers.
“Questions will arise on the Election Commission if it doesn't probe the matter. We won't believe the EC is working fairly,” Yadav added, ANI reported.
The IPS officer, who was last posted as the Kanpur Police Commissioner, had applied for pre-mature retirement amid speculation of his entry into active politics and contesting the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections.
The Uttar Pradesh government had earlier this week approved Arun’s voluntary retirement request.
Earlier in the day, the 1994-batch IPS officer joined the BJP in the presence of Union Minister Anurag Thakur and other saffron party leaders.
“A person who is experienced, honest and is ideal for the youngsters is joining the BJP today. I welcome Asim Arun. BJP will move forward with his experience and more youths like him will join BJP,” Thakur said.
The former IPS officer’s inclusion comes as a breather for the saffron party amid several defections to the Samajwadi Party in the last few days.
Elections for the 403-member Uttar Pradesh Assembly will be held in seven phases beginning February 10.
The polling in Uttar Pradesh will be held on February 10, 14, 20, 23, 27 and March 3 and 7.
The counting of votes will take place on March 10.