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U.P. Congress Chief's WhatsApp Account Blocked Amid Election Season

Ajay Rai, president of the Congress party in Uttar Pradesh, has accused the ruling BJP of deliberately blocking his WhatsApp account to silence opposition voices. The incident comes at a critical time as state elections approach.

LSN India · 19 August 2026

U.P. Congress Chief's WhatsApp Account Blocked Amid Election Season

Ajay Rai, the state Congress president, has alleged that his WhatsApp account was deliberately blocked in what he described as an "authoritarian trend" to muzzle the opposition ahead of upcoming elections. According to Rai, the blocking has disrupted his direct communication with party workers and hampered the daily functioning of party operations in Uttar Pradesh.

The Congress leader characterized the move as part of a broader pattern of intimidation targeting opposition voices during the election cycle. He suggested the blocking was orchestrated to isolate him from grassroots party workers and prevent effective coordination of party activities across the state.

The incident highlights escalating tensions between the ruling BJP and the Congress party as the electoral calendar progresses in the state. Such accusations of account tampering have become increasingly common in Indian politics, with opposition parties frequently alleging technical interference designed to obstruct their communications and organizational capabilities.

The blocking comes amid heightened political activity in Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state, where control of political narrative and grassroots mobilization are viewed as crucial for electoral success. The Congress party has not yet disclosed whether it has filed formal complaints with relevant authorities regarding the alleged account suspension.