Over 61% voting in phase four

The fourth phase of polling for 53 Assembly constituencies of Uttar Pradesh on Thursday passed off amid stray incidents of violence, with an estimated over 61% voter turnout.

This phase of voting was crucial for the state’s ruling Samajwadi Party and main Opposition BSP, both major contenders for power this time too, as they had won nearly 40 of these seats in the previous polls.

“Polling was held in 53 Assembly constituencies spread over 12 districts, including the backward Bundelkhand region,” the office of the state chief electoral officer said.

The turnout was 61% till 5 pm and since many voters stood in queue inside the polling stations at the appointed hour for conclusion of the exercise, the final figure was set to go up to 63%, sources said.
Violence was reported in Mahoba where two rival groups clashed, leading to firing in which three persons were injured. The clash took place when vehicles of SP candidate Siddhgopal Sahu’s son Saket Sahu and BSP candidate Arimardan Singh’s son Himanchal Singh collided, leading to firing reportedly by Singh and his supporters.

Two of the injured—Lala Bhaiya and Tariq— were rushed to hospital, where their condition is said to be stable, police said.

An FIR has been lodged in this connection and two persons have been arrested, the police said.