Counting Underway in Gorakhpur-Faizabad Teacher Poll, Tight Security

The vote counting process for the graduate and teacher MLC polls has started in the Gorakhpur-Faizabad teacher constituency. Officials have opened ballot boxes received from 200 polling stations in 17 districts, and counting is continuing.

Sanjayan Tripathi, who is contesting as the Samajwadi Party candidate, has voiced confidence in his chances. Tripathi said he believes teachers have extended considerable support to him and expects to win by a good margin.

While speaking to the media at the counting centre, Tripathi said his years of work among teachers form the basis of his confidence. He said he cannot yet state the exact number of votes, but the support he has seen suggests the result will go in his favour and that he will secure a large victory.

He also questioned the background of the observer appointed for the election. According to Tripathi, the observer has a disputed record, including a CBI chargesheet and allegations relating to crores of rupees recovered during raids. He said these issues had been raised earlier and deserved attention.

Tripathi emphasised that an election of this kind requires impartiality and transparency at every stage. He said an observer whose fairness is beyond question should be deployed. He noted that a campaign had been run to press for the observer's removal and thanked the Election Commission for its action, describing its steps toward a fair contest as commendable.

With counting still in progress, candidates and supporters are keeping a close watch on the results. Tripathi has expressed faith in his victory, though the final outcome will only be clear once results are formally declared.

Authorities have made strict security arrangements at the counting site. Visitors are being checked before entry, and only those with valid documents are allowed inside. Police personnel have been deployed in large numbers across the area, and crowds are not being permitted to gather nearby.