57 percent in sixth phase of UP polls, 80 percent polling in Manipur

Lucknow: An estimated 57 per cent of the total 1 crore 73 lakh voters exercised their franchise in 17,926 polling booths (2,146 hyper-sensitive) today for 49 seats in the sixth phase of Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls. No incidence of any violence was reported during the polling. The polling began at 0700 hrs and ended on a smooth note at 1700 hrs in 49 seats spread out in seven districts of Poorvanchal on the Indo-Nepal and North-Bihar borders. The region which went for polling today was extremely backward and deprived.

The fate of 635 candidates, including 63 women in the fray for the sixth phase of polling, was sealed in EVMs. Of total candidates, 20 per cent had criminal background, while 25 per cent were crorepatis. According to state Chief Electoral Officer T Venkatesh, the official polling figure till 0900 hrs was around 11 per cent, which went up to 23.28 per cent at 1100 hrs, reached 37.85 per cent at 1300 hrs and 48.73 per cent at 1500 hrs.

The voting percentage at 1700 hrs was around 57 per cent. Mr Venkatesh said as several voters were still in the queue when the polling closed at 1700 hours, polling percentage could increase nominally. Meanwhile, a small incident occurred in Ballia, where a clash was reported between SP and BSP workers. However, no injuries were reported. Some people were arrested by the police. This phase will test the political influence of Union Minister Kalraj Mishra, who is MP from Deoria, Mahant Adityanath of Gorakhpur and Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, who represents Azamgarh Parliamentary constituency.

However, Mr Yadav did not campaign in this phase and even refused to visit his own Azamgarh constituency. It will be also a litmus test for 'Ansaris-' Mukhtar Ansari in Mau and Ghazipur districts.

First Phase polling for Manipur Assy ends, Turnout may exceed 80 pc

Polling for the first phase of Manipur elections to 38 seats ended at 1500 hours today. The polling was largely peaceful. Official sources here said the actual percentage might exceed 80 as long queues were witnessed even after the stipulated time. All those who managed to enter the polling stations were given tokens and will be allowed to exercise their franchise.

Till 1300 hours, an estimated 69 per cent polling was recorded. Mr Leichombam Erendro, candidate of the PRJA, Thangmeiband, who was assaulted by some persons at Thangmeiband, has filed a police report naming the suspects. Except some reports of minor scuffles at Khurai, Singjamei, Thongju and problems of EVM malfunctioning, the polling was by and large peaceful. Today's phase will decide the fate of 168 candidates, including 38 of BJP, 37 of Congress, four of CPI, two of CPI-M and and 14 Independents.

Key political players in this phase were Chief Minister's nephew Okhram Henry, Speaker Th Lokeswar Singh, Ministers I Hemochandra Singh, Govindas Konthoujam, Kh Ratankumar Singh and T Manga Vaiphei, Manipur PCC President T N Haokip, former ministers Phungzathang Tonsing, and Y Erabot Singh and BJP leader Th Chaoba Singh. About 250 companies were deployed for security in the polling stations. Most of the stations had five unarmed officials. For the second phase on March 08, altogether 98 candidates are in the fray in 22 constituencies. Eds : Pls pick up suitably from earlier series. (UNI)