The election process got underway in Uttar Pradesh today with notification for the first phase of Assembly polls which will be a litmus test for the Union Minister, Beni Prasad Verma, and the National Commission for Scheduled Caste Chairman, P.L. Punia.

In the first phase, 55 constituencies spread over 10 districts — Sitapur, Gonda, Basti, Bahraich, Balrampur Barabanki, Faizabad, Ambedkar Nagar, Siddharth Nagar and Shravasti are going on polls which will be held on February 8.

The phase will decide the fate of 15 former ministers, three sitting ministers and 31 MLAs.

Gonda Congress MP, Mr Beni’s prestige would be at stake not only in seven Assembly constituencies of his parliamentary area but also in Barabanki with his son, Rakesh Verma, contesting from Dariyabad seat there.

Barabanki Congress MP, Mr P.L. Punia’s Dalit card and influence in the area would also be under keen observation in six constituencies of his area

Both Mr Verma, known for his say in Kurmi vote bank and Mr Punia, Dalit face of Congress, would have the herculean task of ensuring maximum number of seats for the Congress, which had secured only three of the 55 seats in 2007 Assembly polls.

As far as ticket distribution is concerned, Mr Verma had ruled the roost and succeeded in ensuring tickets to his loyalists and also turncoats from Samajwadi Party.

Congress leaders are hoping that party the General Secretary, Rahul Gandhi’s visit in the areas going to polls would boost their prospects.

Mr Rahul had covered various constituencies in Bahraich, Gonda, Barabanki, Sitapur and Basti districts during his visits and held a series of public meetings.

Also, Congress leader and MP, Jagdambika Pal, whose son Abhishek Pal is contesting from Basti Sadar seat has also been camping in his constituency to ensure the victory of his son — a first timer in political battle.

For Bahujan Samaj Party, which had secured a maximum of 30 seats out of 55 seats in the 2007 Assembly polls, it would be a fight to increase its tally.

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