UP records 50 pc turnout, minor clashes reported

An estimated 50 per cent voters exercised their franchise on 18 lok sabha seats in the fourth phase of polling in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday amidst reports of minor clashes.
Thursday’s polling will decide the fate of BJP chief Rajnath Singh, RLD president Ajit Singh and Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav.

The fate of Mulayam’s son Akhilesh Yadav and Ajit Singh’s son Jayant Chaudhary were also sealed on Thursday.

Lowest in Agra

The maximum turnout of 53 per cent was recorded in Mathura, while the lowest was recorded in Agra, according to the state election office here.

Etah, from where former BJP leader Kalyan Singh is in the fray, witnessed 47 per cent turnout while Mainpuri, from where Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav is contesting, recorded around 49 per cent polling.

Although polling was by and large peaceful, some minor clashes between supporters of rival parties were reported from some places, sources said.

Clashes were reported from Muzaffarnagar, Kairana, Etah, Mainpuri and Kannauj, sources said.

A polling agent of SP was allegedly thrashed by a senior police official in Mainpuri.