First phase of UP assembly polls commences

Ayodhya/Barabanki/Bahraich, Feb 8 (ANI): The first phase of the high-voltage elections for 55 assembly constituencies in Uttar Pradesh began amid tight security and heavy rainfall on Wednesday.

Voters were seen waving all odds to cast their votes as heavy rainfall lashed across the districts.

According to reports, only five percent voting had taken place in the first two hours of polling.

The first phase of voting will cover ten districts of Uttar Pradesh including Sitapur, Barabanki, Faizabad, Ambedkar Nagar, Bahraich, Shravasti, Balrampur, Gonda, Siddharth Nagar and Basti.

Voters in Bahraich constituency looked forward for a representative, who would be unprejudiced, also work for the welfare and development of the region.

"People should not vote for those who are corrupt. One should only vote for those who are honest and have a clean image. People should cast their vote for the sake of development and not on the basis of caste and religion or under anybody's influence," said Narayana Sharma, a voter.

Meanwhile, voters in Barabanki town said that they are looking forward to elect a candidate who would ensure eradication of corruption and look after the interest of students.

"We need an honest government, who can develop the state, the one who thinks about students' interest and can combat corruption and inflation as well," said Abhishek Singh, another voter.

Polling started at 7 in the morning but the turnout remained low due to heavy rainfall.

Over 17180649 voters are expected to decide the fate of 862 candidates across 18108 polling stations with maximum number of 26 candidates, contesting from Barabanki constituency while Mohamoodabad seat having the minimum number of eight candidates. (ANI)