Lucknow: High tension gripped the state capital on Tuesday as Samajwadi Party (SP) workers clashed with police during a protest march from GPO to Vidhan Bhavan.

The demonstrators, shouting slogans of “Vote chor gaddi chhod” (Vote thieves, step down), were protesting against the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which they alleged is being misused for “vote theft.”

Police stopped the rally near Hazratganj, leading to heated arguments and scuffles between protesters and security personnel. SP leader Samayun Khan accused the government of “killing the Constitution” and attempting to deprive citizens of their right to vote. He also lashed out at the Election Commission, alleging that it was “working for the ruling side.”

Protesters carried placards claiming that lakhs of names were removed from voter lists before the Bihar polls, and a similar exercise is now being attempted in Uttar Pradesh.

Following the clash, police detained several workers but later released them at Eco Garden.

SP leaders vowed to continue their agitation, accusing the government of failing on education, employment, and healthcare while “increasing public misery through authoritarian measures.”