Polling for the first phase of Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections today recorded a moderate 55 per cent turnout on an incident-free day after a sluggish start due to rain, with Ms Mayawati's ruling BSP facing a tough challenge from Congress, BJP and SP.
After an initial lull, polling picked up quickly after mid-day as the weather cleared with over 55 per cent of the 1.7-crore strong electorate, which included 70 lakh women, exercising its franchise, said the State election officials.
Polling was held in 55 constituencies spread over 10 districts — Sitapur, Barabanki, Faizabad, Ambedkar Nagar, Bahraich, Shravasti, Balrampur, Gonda, Siddharth Nagar and Basti amidst tight security arrangements. The candidates include 796 men, 65 women and one eunuch.
The first phase of elections for the 403-member Assembly will seal the fate of two ministers, 31 MLAs and 15 former ministers.
The remaining phases of polling will be held on February 11, 15, 19, 23, 28 and March 3. Counting of votes will take place on March 6.