Assembly Elections 2022: Sidhu will be given super CM post, says Congress MP Ravneet Bittu

In a flip-flop, Congress party's sitting MLA from Sri Hargobindpur Balwinder Singh Laddi on Friday rejoined the BJP after parting ways with the saffron party last month. BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh welcomed Laddi into the party fold in Batala. BJP candidate from Batala Fatehjang Bajwa was also present. Laddi along with Bajwa, who is the younger brother of senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa, had first joined the BJP after quitting the Congress on December 28 in Delhi. However, six days after joining the saffron party, Laddi had returned to Congress fold and rejoined Punjab's ruling outfit in the presence of AICC in-charge of Punjab affairs Harish Chaudhary and Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi. Laddi was denied the Congress ticket for contesting from the Sri Hargobindpur assembly seat, which falls in the Gurdaspur district, and the party nominated Mandeep Singh in his place. (PTI) BJP president JP Nadda on Friday said his party was the only one that was faithful to its ideals and believed in "collectiveness", whereas opposition parties were family-run outfits. Addressing a rally in Priol in poll-bound Goa, Nadda said the BJP was also a party that took its governance report card to the people. "BJP is the only party which is faithful to its ideas and believes in collectiveness. Except for BJP, all parties have become family-run parties," he said. BJP leader Uma Bharti on Friday alleged efforts were being made to influence the Uttar Pradesh assembly polls through rhetorics on the 'hijab' row in Karnataka as a part of a conspiracy and advised political parties to refrain from commenting on the issue. About Uniform Civil Code, the former union minister said the first consultation on the matter will be held with all the constituents of the society. "Only when it is discussed, we will move forward in that direction," Bharti said. The senior BJP leader said the 'hijab' row is gaining momentum at this point but no political party should speak on this issue. "I have appealed to the leaders not to comment on this matter as their remarks were acting as petrol to fire. I also don't want to comment on this either. It's being done to influence the Uttar Pradesh elections. We should not fall prey to any such conspiracy," she told reporters. While campaigning in favour of a BJP candidate in the Orai region, she took potshots at Samajwadi Party chief, saying, "Akhilesh (Yadav) says that Lord Krisha appears in his dreams to tell him that his party is coming to power." "I see the people of Uttar Pradesh in my dreams who say that this time they will vote for BJP again so that there are no riots, houses are not captured and shops are not looted." Likening Akhilesh Yadav to 'Gabbar' the infamous dacoit character of Bollywood flick 'Sholay', Bharati said, "There is a dialogue in Sholay that when a child cries, his mother tells him to shut up or else Gabbar will come." "Similarly, the people of the state tell me in my dreams that this time they will not vote for the party of Gabbar, but for the party that governs well," she added. PTI He (Navjot Singh Sidhu) will be given Super CM post: Congress MP Ravneet Singh Bittu when asked about what post the Congress party will give to Navjot Singh Sidhu if voted to power in the ensuing Punjab elections. Congress releases a list of 3 candidates for the upcoming #UttarPradeshElections pic.twitter.com/NfhB3CkFOU — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 11, 2022 Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb asserted on Friday that no other party was capable of challenging the BJP, which was set to emerge victorious in the assembly elections of five states. Deb, during a programme here to mark the death anniversary of BJP forerunner Deendayal Upadhyaya, said speculation had been rife over poll results during the general election in 2019, but the party, led by Narendra Modi, made it to the hot seat, surprising many. Elections to five states -- Punjab, Manipur, Uttar Pradesh, Goa and Uttarakhand -- are being held in phases, starting February 10. "Yogiji (Uttar Pradesh CM) will be back with a bang as people of UP have gotten rid of Goondaraj and Mafiaraj. No party will be able to challenge the BJP in the five poll-bound states. The leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the might of the BJP are well established in the country, he said. Highlighting the Modi government's welfare initiatives, the CM said, It was Prime Minister Narendra Modi who had released Rs. 20,000 crore for 11 crore farmers on January 1 when a section of them was on warpath. The move was aimed at paying respect to our annadatas (food providers). The chief minister also took a dig at opposition CPI(M) leader Manik Sarkar, who had recently criticised the state's health infrastructure, stating that he unaware of reality. "Two days after he had criticised the health services at state-run GBP Hospital, an open heart surgery was successfully performed for the first time in the state's premier hospital. The four-time chief minister, who is now the opposition leader, should have known the reality before making an allegation," Deb maintained. The chief minister also called upon the karyakartas to bridge the gap between the organisation and the people. We must pursue integral humanism scripted by BJP ideologue Deen Dayal Upadhyay. The party leaders and karyakartas should reach out to the grassroots level with Deen Dayal Upadhyay's message in mind 'serve the last man in the queue'." (PTI) Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal will visit Punjab between February 12-18 ahead of #PunjabAssemblyelections2022: AAP pic.twitter.com/TTJCS1ATWJ — ANI (@ANI) February 11, 2022 Claiming that the BJP has provided corruption-free governments both at the Centre and in Uttarakhand, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said credibility is its biggest strength and urged the voters to secure a second consecutive term for the party for the state's continued development. Addressing rallies in Ghansali and Karnaprayag in the poll-bound state, Singh said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has given two corruption-free governments at the Centre, one under the leadership of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the other under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The party has given clean governments in Uttarakhand too, he added. "People can debate what our candidates have done and what they could have done, but none of them has the blot of corruption on his career. This is our biggest strength.... Our credibility is our biggest strength," Singh said. (PTI) Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday termed the governments formed before the BJP came to power in Uttar Pradesh "casteist", and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi works for everyone's welfare. Addressing an election meeting in Bareilly's Aonla, Shah said that as BJP president in 2017 he had promised his party would end "gundaa raj' in Uttar Pradesh. The Yogi Adityanath government has kept the promise, he claimed. "Mafias are not visible in Uttar Pradesh. Azam Khan, Atiq Ahmed and Mukhtar Ansari are in jail," he said, warning if Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav becomes the chief minister, he would release them. Training guns at the opposition parties, Shah said, "The previous governments of Uttar Pradesh were casteists. When the SP (Samajwadi Party) came (to power), work was done for one caste. When the BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party) was in power, then work was done for the other caste. Modiji did development for all and worked for all castes with the 'sabka saath, sabka vishvaas' (mantra)." "When the SP or BSP was in power, mafia was ruling the roost in the state. Narendra Modiji and Yogiji have sent them to jail," he added. At another election meeting in Tilhar of Shahjahanpur, Shah said the BJP has put an end to caste politics in Uttar Pradesh. Shah said SP chief Akhilesh Yadav has lost sleep after the first round of polling and the BJP has paved the way for getting 300-plus seats in Uttar Pradesh. "Akhilesh Yadav asks what has been done in Uttar Pradesh. I want to tell him that the BJP has reinstated the rule of law and maintained law and order in the state. We have reduced all crimes and removed the rule of goons and mafia in the state," he added. Accusing the Samajwadi Party of being a family-owned party, Shah said the youth of the state have no place in the SP, whereas in the BJP, anyone can become a leader. "We have promised to double the income of every citizen in Uttar Pradesh. We will bring investments of Rs 10 lakh crore to the state to generate employment," he added. Attacking the Congress, Shah said, "The Congress was in power for over 60 years but nothing was done for the poor. Nothing was done by the governments of Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati in Uttar Pradesh. But Narendra Modi has distributed free gas cylinders to women and built free toilets for them," said Shah. "The BJP will give free scooters to girl students joining higher education institutes in Uttar Pradesh and waive electricity bills of farmers," he said. Hitting out at former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Shah said, "Earlier, our soldiers were beheaded in Jammu and Kashmir but 'Mauni Baba' Manmohan Singh remained quiet. But Modiji carried out a surgical strike and sent a clear message to the world." Shah said the BJP also built memorials for freedom fighters to honour their sacrifices. The home minister was accompanied by Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Suresh Khanna, Jitin Prasada and other senior leaders of the party. Salona Kushwaha is the BJP's candidate from the Tilhar seat. (PTI) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Bhupinder Singh Hooda, & Charanjit Singh Channi are among party's star campaigners for the fifth phase of Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections pic.twitter.com/KOt8PzMK0x — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 11, 2022 The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has released manifesto for the Uttarakhand Assembly elections. Arvind Kejriwal's party has promised 300 units of free electricity to every household, revised MSP of rice, wheat, sugarcane, and doubled of state budget in 5 years, among others The public has given a message that the process of dismantling the BJP govt has started from the first phase itself. They (BJP) has lodged false cases against Azam Khan and sent him to jail. People are ready for a change in UP: SP chief Akhilesh Yadav in UP's Rampur Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami conducted a poll campaign in Bazpur, Udhampur Singh Nagar. "Double engine govt provided free ration, vaccines to people. Our govt launched several other schemes for people of different sectors and gave direct benefits to people," he said. Yogi Adityanath restored rule of law in UP; BJP will receive positive mandate in 5 assembly polls: Union minister Nitin Gadkari to PTI — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 11, 2022 The 'Parivarwadi' people have realised that their boat has sunk & hence they have started blaming the EVM and the Election Commission. The truth is that the people of UP are not ready to accept them and their 'Gunda Raj': PM Modi at a public rally in Kasganj We plan to restore mining in a sustainable and legal way in Goa soon after we are voted to power: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, in Goa "This time we will get a solid majority, and we will act immediately to make sure that we have a government in Goa," says Congress leader Rahul Gandhi Ahead of the Uttarakhand elections, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will address public meetings in Khatima, Haldwani, and Srinagar tomorrow, February 12. Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has released a list of nine candidates for the sixth & seventh phases of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections. Bahujan Samaj Party releases a list of nine candidates for the sixth & seventh phase of Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections pic.twitter.com/mxdkWmn13k — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 11, 2022 "Our 'double engine' government works at double the speed of other governments. During Covid19, where was the brother-sister duo? Was 'Behenji' present amongst you all? Only BJP worked for people of the State", said Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath during an election rally in Budaun. "See what has become of Congress...only the brother-sister duo is campaigning. Don't they have any other leaders left in the party? Today, their own leaders do not want to be with the party. Then, how can they give anything to you?", said PM Modi in Uttarakhand. "After 10th March, Dhami Ji's government will work aggressively to further develop the tourism sector in Uttarakhand. You (public) have to decide whether you want in power those who promote 'Paryatan' (tourism) or 'Palayan' (migration)", said PM Modi in Almora Addressing a rally in UP's Bareilly, Union Home Minister & BJP leader Amit Shah said, "CM Yogi Adityanath has finished mafia from western UP and Rohilkhand. There was a time when UP Police used to run away after seeing the mafia. Now mafia runs away after listening to Police siren". "Our government is working with the motto, 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas'. But the formula of those who oppose us is - 'Divide everyone, loot together'! The policy of the Congress in the whole country has been divide and loot together", PM Modi addresses rally in Almora, Uttarakhand. People very well know the language our Opposition speaks; 'Sabme daalo phoot, milkar karo loot' is their mantra: PM Modi addresses rally in Almora, Uttarakhand Watch his address #LIVE here: https://t.co/O0PMqiYLDQ pic.twitter.com/esmr8NAtWp — Republic (@republic) February 11, 2022 Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a physical election rally in Uttarakhand's Almora. "Rahul Gandhi says he's not scared. Who's scaring you? He speaks in Parliament & runs away, he doesn't have courage to listen to reply. His public rallies are source of entertainment. Congress needs no rivals, Rahul Gandhi alone does all that's needed", said Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan campaigning Haridwar. Rahul Gandhi says he's not scared. Who's scaring you? He speaks in Parliament & runs away, he doesn't have courage to listen to reply. His public rallies are source of entertainment. Congress needs no rivals, Rahul Gandhi alone does all that's needed: MP CM SS Chouhan in Haridwar pic.twitter.com/4htE62U6l5 — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 11, 2022 "He (Rahul Gandhi) destabilised a proper functioning govt in Punjab. Congress is going through a leadership crisis. They have a G-24 group in Delhi that openly shows disagreement. Even in Uttarakhand, who is Congress' leader?", CM Chouhan added. "I asked the former CM & Samajwadi Party chief (Akhilesh Yadav) where has he done any development, he said he made the boundary walls of graveyards. If he could get votes with boundaries of graveyards, BJP is giving the treatment", said UP CM Yogi Adityanath, in Dadraul, Shahjahanpur I asked the former CM & Samajwadi Party chief (Akhilesh Yadav) where has he done any development, he said he made the boundary walls of graveyards. If he could get votes with boundaries of graveyards, BJP is giving the treatment: UP CM Yogi Adityanath, in Dadraul, Shahjahanpur pic.twitter.com/OHV3JKKFXf — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 11, 2022 "They (Congress) talk about bikini/hijab, CAA/Rafale, but public never accepts them because they never talk about poor welfare. They only know how to gather votes with politics of appeasement...You can write down, Akhilesh (SP chief) will lose from his seat," said Union Min Anurag Thakur in Varanasi They (Congress) talk about bikini/hijab, CAA/Rafale, but public never accepts them because they never talk about poor welfare. They only know how to gather votes with politics of appeasement...You can write down, Akhilesh (SP chief) will lose from his seat:Union Min Anurag Thakur pic.twitter.com/5YIoqQTwbX — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 11, 2022 Slamming RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary said,"A few dynastical people (RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary) don't cast their votes. Their opinions on democracy show very clearly. Such parties have lost earlier also, they will lose in future again". During the door-to-door campaign, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan met a groom and even requested him to cast vote in favour of BJP at the upcoming assembly elections in Uttarakhand, according to ANI. #WATCH Haridwar, Uttarakhand | Madhya Pradesh CM and BJP leader Shivraj Singh Chauhan while holding a door-to-door campaign in Jwalapur Assembly constituency met a groom and requested to vote for BJP pic.twitter.com/rdnlGCElHq — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 With almost 10 days ahead of the Punjab Assembly Elections, the infighting in the Congress party has exploded as now Navjot Sidhu's daughter has levelled serious charges against Charanjit Singh Channi. Speaking against party leader Rahul Gandhi who had described Channi as a 'poor' person, Rabia Kaur Sidhu said that 'a crorepati cannot be poor'. According to Sidhu, the CM's bank account at least comprises 133 crore rupees. Union Minister and BJP leader Anurag Thakur campaigned for the candidates of his party, in Varanasi, ahead of the second phase of Uttar Pradesh Election 2022. "A few dynastical people (RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary) don't cast their votes. Their opinions on democracy show very clearly. Such parties have lost earlier also, they will lose in future again", Union Minister Anurag Thakur said. #UttarPradeshElection2022 | A few dynastical people (RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary) don't cast their votes. Their opinions on democracy show very clearly. Such parties have lost earlier also, they will lose in future again: Union Minister Anurag Thakur pic.twitter.com/wRyPwRzV25 — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 11, 2022 Defence Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Rajnath Singh will address election meetings in Ghansali, Karnaprayag, and Narendranagar Assembly constituencies in Uttarakhand on Friday, February 11. I shall be campaigning in Uttarakhand today. Shall address election meetings in Ghansali, Karnaprayag and Narendranagar assembly constituencies. Look forward to it. — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) February 11, 2022 Jailed gangster turned politician Mukhtar Ansari's son Abbas Ansari challenged Yogi Adityanath to file a nomination from Mau constituency amid ongoing Uttar Pradesh elections. The statement from Ansari whose father is an MLA from Mu came as he reached Samajwadi Party (SP) office in the District. While facing questions, Abbas said that after March 10, he will answer every query. In response to the question of joining SP, Mukhtar Ansari's son asked when did Yogi Adityanath join Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) "I am waiting for the day when yogi Ji gather some courage to file a nomination from Mau constituency," said Abbas Ansari amid ongoing UP elections. Mukhtar Ansari is known for being a dreaded gangster currently lodged in Banda jail in Uttar Pradesh. He was brought back from Punjab jail in April 2020. The action was initiated and the Uttar Pradesh police took Ansari's custody after a Supreme Court order. A convoy of six police vans, a Vajra vehicle accompanied Ansari in an ambulance covering a distance of 882 km spanning three states for over a 16-hour journey. Uttar Pradesh Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Ajay Kumar Shukla on Thursday said that the first phase of Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls concluded peacefully with a 59.87 per cent voter turnout. Shukla informed that no untoward incident was reported in the state. Voting was held in 58 assembly seats spread across 11 districts in the western part of the state in the first phase of polls. CEO Ajay Kumar Shukla was addressing a press conference in Lucknow when he said that the first phase of polls concluded peacefully in the state. “Elections have been concluded peacefully and no untoward incident has been reported from anywhere,” he said. However, he also informed that a large amount of cash and liquor were caught in the BJP-led state ahead of the polls. According to the CEO, a total of Rs 12.57 crore cash and 3.87 lakh litres of liquor was recovered from the eleven districts from the date of election announcement till the end of the campaign period. "I went to Church, Masjid, Gurudwara, & recently visited Vaishno Devi because there is only one universal law... As long as I'm alive, I assure you that no one can cast an evil eye on Christianity," said Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu in Amritsar East "Congress candidate Rizwan had taken permission for a door-to-door campaign but it was seen that a roadshow-like situation had emerged with people atop of the car with him. As per Sector Magistrate's complaint, a case has been registered," said Akhilesh Bhadoria, SP City booking the leader for his campaign. Miffed at the case, Rizwan said, "UP Dy CM Dinesh Sharma held a door-to-door meeting a few days ago. In Meerut, Amit Shah held door-to-door campaigns, why no FIR against them? Not our fault if people welcome us with unconditional love during door-to-door campaigns. BJP scared, which is why this politics." Addressing a rally in Mapusa, PM Modi said, "Congress Govt didn't liberate Goa for 15 years after Independence. People of Goa kept fighting but Congress Govt didn't help. From the ramparts of Red Fort, India's first PM, Jawaharlal Nehru had said that he won't send forces for the liberation of Goa". Dismissing his allegations, Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, "At least BJP and RSS did not liberate Goa. It happened during Congress govt only...PM Modi says he sold tea. He should accept that he became PM because of the Constitution made by Nehru and other leaders of that time". "We'll give Goans land rights in 6 months after forming govt. We'll repair all the roads in the state. We'll give free treatment, education, electricity, water & due to these facilities every household will get benefit of Rs 2 lakh per year," said Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal in Poriem, Goa Total 2 transgenders, 93 women & 1209 men candidates in fray for 117 assembly constituencies. There are 24,740 polling stations in 14,684 polling locations. Around 2586 different surveillance teams to be working round the clock: State Chief Electoral Officer Uttar Pradesh can become Kashmir, Kerala or Bengal if BJP is not voted back to power, State Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said hours before the first round of elections in UP on Thursday, evoking sharp reactions from opposition leaders, including from the three states, as they alleged that it was an attempt to polarise people in the state. Reacting strongly to the UP CM's comments, his Kerala counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan said if the north Indian state develops like Kerala, people will enjoy the peace and better living conditions while Congress leader Shashi Tharoor took a dig at Yogi Adityanath, saying UP "should be so lucky" as Kashmir's beauty, Bengal's culture and Kerala's education would do wonders for the place. In a six-minute video message on Twitter, the UP chief minister said a vote for him will be a "guarantee of fear-free life", asserting that the time for a big decision has come. "Beware! If you miss this time, the five-year effort will be washed away. And it will take no time for UP to become Kashmir, Kerala or Bengal. This vote will be your guarantee to a life without fear, Yogi Adityanath said in his appeal to voters. While non-BJP political parties in West Bengal alleged that it was an "attempt to polarise people of his state" and will fail, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah attacked Yogi Aditynath, saying "he should be so lucky. J&K has less poverty, better human development indices, less crime & generally better standards of living than UP." "What we lack is good governance over the last 3-4 years but that is a temporary phenomenon," Abdullah tweeted. In an apparent response to Yogi Adityanath's remarks, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said India is beautiful in all its colours and "don't insult the spirit" of the country. "There is strength in our Union. Our Union of Cultures. Our Union of Diversity. Our Union of Languages. Our Union of People. Our Union of States," Gandhi tweeted. "From Kashmir to Kerala. From Gujarat to West Bengal. India is beautiful in all its colours. Don't insult the spirit of India," he said, without naming anyone. Tharoor said,"UP will turn into Kashmir, Bengal or Kerala if BJP doesn't come to power, @myogiadityanath tells voters. UP should be so lucky!! Kashmir's beauty, Bengal's culture & Kerala's education would do wonders for the place. UP's wonderful: pity about its Govt. Responding to the UP Chief Minister's remarks, Vijayan tweeted "If UP turns into Kerala as @myogiadityanath fears, it will enjoy the best education, health services, social welfare, living standards and have a harmonious society in which people won't be murdered in the name of religion and caste. That's what the people of UP would want." The Chief Minister also tweeted the same in Hindi and tagged his UP counterpart. Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly V D Satheesan in Kerala also launched a scathing attack on Adityanath for his alleged disparaging comments against Kerala and urged the people of Uttar Pradesh to choose plurality, harmony, inclusive development to medieval bigotry. "Dear #UP, vote to be like Kerala. Choose plurality, harmony, inclusive development to medieval bigotry. Keralites, Bengalis and Kashmiris are also proud Indians. #kerala #democracy #religiousharmony #UPElections2022," Satheesan, a Congress leader, tweeted. Trinamool Congress' Rajya Sabha MP Santanu Sen said that Adityanath is desperately trying to divide people, "which is an old game of the BJP when it finds the going tough". "The BJP has sensed defeat in the upcoming UP elections, which is why it is now trying to sow discord among people of the northern state by portraying amity and peace in West Bengal in a negative light. "West Bengal will never become Adityanath's UP, instead UP will set an example of harmony and amity by dislodging him from power," the TMC leader said. CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty said Adityanath's comments were a "blatant attempt at polarising the peace-loving people of UP". "We don't subscribe to Adityanath's vision of India, which is an affront on our mosaic of different faiths and religions. We oppose his idea of Hindu Rashtra," the CPI(M) central committee member said. Leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said that Adityanath knows nothing about the eastern state and its secular traditions. The state unit of the BJP, however, claimed that the UP Chief Minister was referring to the law and order situation in West Bengal. "He referred to the law and order situation in West Bengal. The entire country knows how our party workers were killed, and women family members of our supporters raped by TMC goons during post-poll violence. The situation in UP is far better than in West Bengal," BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar said. (PTI) A case of violation of model code of conduct was on Thursday registered against a candidate of Azad Samaj Party and 12 others in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh. The FIR was registered at the Mirganj Police Station of Jaunpur. Satya Prakash Gautam, a resident of Parianwa, is the Azad Samaj Party candidate from Machhlishahr assembly seat. On Wednesday, Gautam along with his supporters had taken out a rally and reached Mirganj from Machlishahar via Godhna. It is alleged that the candidate held rallies and raised slogans during door-to-door campaigning which is a clear violation of the model code of conduct, police said. Chandan Kumar, Rohit Chand, Hemant Kumar, Arjesh Kumar, Alok Chandra, Jitendra Gautam, Salam Ansari, Kariya Gautam, Atul Gautam, Chottelal Gautam and others have also been booked in the case. Station House Officer, Mirganj Police Station, Suresh Kumar Singh said Gautam along with the others also violated COVID-19 protocols. (PTI) As the first phase of the 403-member Uttar Pradesh Assembly concluded on Thursday, the voter turnout for the Jat-dominant belt of western Uttar Pradesh was recorded to be over 61%. As per the Election Commission of India's Voter Turnout application, the total voter turnout for the first phase of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections was 61.57% at the end of the session. The districts which recorded the highest voter turnout were Shamli with 69.42%, followed by Muzaffarnagar and Bulandsahar at 65.91% and 65.12% respectively. Voting for the first phase of UP Assembly elections has been completed successfully. Wherever we got complaints, EVMs and VVPATs were replaced immediately. There was no incident of violence: Ajay Kumar Shukla, Chief Electoral Officer, Uttar Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra holds a door to door campaign in Moradabad pic.twitter.com/W48isoqAL6 — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 Union Minister Anurag Thakur on Thursday asserted that Bharatiya Janata Party will win more seats than in the 2017 polls. The Minister said that under the CM Yogi's rule, the state has been freed from goons and mafias. He stated that action against goons and mafias will continue. "All round development taking place in Uttar Pradesh. There is no discrimination in providing benefits to the people. Five expressways, five Airports and nine metros have been built in the state. Today's voting confirmed that BJP will win elections," Anurag Thakur said. Read full story. The voting has been concluded in the first phase of Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh. According to the Election Commission (EC), 60.01% of voter turnout was recorded. Over one lakh personnel of the Uttar Pradesh police and home guards besides 800 companies of paramilitary were deployed for the first phase of assembly polls in western Uttar Pradesh on Thursday, according to officials. As many as 623 candidates, including 73 women, are in the fray in the first phase with around 2.28 crore voters -- 1.24 crore men and 1.04 crore women, state Election Commission officials said. According to a UP police statement, 800 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) were received by the state for the first phase of polls. A CAPF company has an operational strength of around 70-80 personnel. Of these, 724 companies were for booth duty, 15 companies for strong-room duty, five companies for EVM security, 26 companies for quick response at police stations, 20 companies for inter-state barrier duty, 66 companies for law and order duty, and nine companies were attached with flying squad team, it said. A total of 796 companies of CAPF were deployed and the rest kept in reserve, it said. "Similarly, in the first phase, duties of 9,464 inspectors/sub-inspectors of UP Police, 59,030 head constables and constables along with 27 companies of PAC, 48,136 home guards, 505 PRD jawans and 6,061 chowkidars were engaged in election duty," it stated. In the first phase, voting was held under 241 police station areas in the 11 districts of Agra, Mathura, Aligarh, Meerut, Ghaziabad, Bulandshahr, Baghpat, Hapur, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli and Gautam Buddh Nagar. Voting was held in 58 assembly seats at 10,833 polling stations and 25,880 polling centres, it said. The police said 12 assembly constituencies -- Khairagarh, Fatehabad, Agra South, Bah, Chhatra, Mathura, Sardhana, Meerut city, Chhaprauli, Baraut, Baghpat and Kairana were categorized as "sensitive". Another 898 majras and localities were marked as "vulnerable", while 5,535 polling places were considered "critical", the police said. In the first phase, according to the instructions of the EC, a total of 138 Pink Booths (women booths) were set up where 59 women inspectors/sub-inspectors and 261 women constables/head constables were deployed, it said. From the day the model code of conduct came into force in 11 districts of the first phase, a total of 1,60,237 licensed weapons were deposited with the police, while 151 licensed weapons were seized, it said. Also, 441 arms licenses were cancelled in view of the possibility of breach of peace during the election, the police said. Preventive action under CrPC sections 107/116 was taken against 3,98,432 persons, the police added. A total 1,783 illegal arms, 2,048 cartridges and 20 kg explosives were recovered, it said. Till now, a total of Rs 12.45 crore had been caught during checking in the run up to polls, while illegal liquor worth Rs 7.83 crore and narcotics worth Rs 7.89 crore was also seized, according to the police. (PTI) Addressing a press conference in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi, Union Minister Anurag Thakur said, "The voting in Kairana today assures BJP's victory. In the next phases covering Kairana to Kashi, west to east, this wave will get stronger. Under the leadership of Modi Ji and Yogi Ji, BJP will win more than 300 seats and return to power." From Nahid Hasan, Azam Khan to Mukhtar Ansari, Samajwadi Party has either given a ticket or extended support to big criminals. If they couldn't do it themselves, they got their alliance to do it: Union Minister Anurag Thakur, in Varanasi Uttar Pradesh: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra interacts with women working in agricultural fields at a village in Rampur district pic.twitter.com/2vThGC9Ow3 — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 #Breaking on #March10WithArnab | Massive controversy on the polling day in Uttar Pradesh: RLD candidate from Shamli, Prasanna Chaudhary, accused of misbehaving with women voters Tune in for more details: https://t.co/O0PMqiYLDQ pic.twitter.com/GhpwukAzRg — Republic (@republic) February 10, 2022 #EXCLUSIVE | We are family-oriented people and we understand the pain of the people: Samajwadi Party chief @yadavakhilesh responds to PM Modi's 'Parivar-vaad' attack, while speaking to Republic Tune in to watch: https://t.co/O0PMqiYLDQ pic.twitter.com/JTHAKgansb — Republic (@republic) February 10, 2022 In the first phase of the ongoing Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, a voter turnout of 57.79% was reported till 5 pm on Thursday, according to the Election Commission (EC). Only BJP can claim that we did what we promised. Expressways, roads of UP are not just roads, but a Ganga of development... Now people have to decide whom they are going to support in this election: BJP national president JP Nadda at a public meeting in Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh BSP is the only party that does not work with the money of capitalists,unlike other political parties which formulate economic policies, not to help citizens but to favor industrialists.We'll use political power as a tool to improve lives of people: BSP chief Mayawati in Haridwar pic.twitter.com/Y94Ln5Cd7O — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Thursday appealed to people to use the power of a vote for the better future of the state. "My dear sisters and brothers of western Uttar Pradesh, use the power of votes for your issues and for building a better future of the state," Vadra tweeted in Hindi. पश्चिमी उत्तरप्रदेश के मेरे प्यारे बहनों-भाइयों, वोट की ताकत का इस्तेमाल अपने मुद्दों और प्रदेश के बेहतर भविष्य के निर्माण के लिए करिए। यू पी कांग्रेस के मेरे सभी साथियों, कार्यकर्ताओं और प्रत्याशियों को शुभकामनाएँ- आपको गर्व होना चाहिए कि 30 साल बाद...1/2 — Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) February 10, 2022 Addressing a gathering in Bijnor, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said, "This election is to save the Constitution and democracy. Did corruption end during the Yogi government? Truth is double engine government means double corruption." 'Gunda' is a small word to describe the Samajwadi Party. I want to say that they are protectors of terrorists. They have given protection to terrorists and corrupt... 200 riots happened during Akhilesh Yadav's government but not a single riot happened in our govt: BJP chief JP Nadda Talk about the zest to vote, a groom reached Char Khamba polling station in the Sadar assembly seat in Bulandshahr to cast his vote before taking his marriage procession on Thursday. Balram reached the polling station in a motorcycle after performing the Ghudchadhi ceremony'. The first phase of polling, which started at 7 am and will continue till 6 pm, is being held in 58 assembly seats spread across 11 districts in the western part of Uttar Pradesh. Balram said he felt necessary to exercise his franchise. After casting his vote, his marriage procession left from his house for Loni. The Char Khamba polling station is a model polling booth built on DM Colony Road. The booth was decorated with balloons and voters were welcomed with drum beats. Meanwhile, at booth 421 of Anupshahr area in the district, people had to wait for hours in queue before they were able to cast their votes due to technical glitch in electronic voting machines (EVM). Besides residents of Nagla Kheda and Nagla Bhud villages of Dibai area raised slogans of no voting if there is no development in the region. Some angry villagers boycotted voting due to non-construction of roads and bridges, which caused a stir among the police and administrative officers. However, the villagers later agreed to vote after persuasion by the district officials. In the seven assembly seats of the district, 21.62 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 11 am, officials said. (PTI) Uttar Pradesh witnesses 48.24% voter turnout in the first phase of Assembly elections till 3 pm. #WATCH | Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra explains her party's manifesto for UP Assembly elections to a motor mechanic in Rampur pic.twitter.com/Yww7yi1q8p — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 Uttar Pradesh witnesses 35.03% voter turnout in the first phase of Assembly elections till 3 pm. Uttar Pradesh witnesses 35.03% voter turnout in the first phase of Assembly elections till 3 pm — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 Lambasting Jayant Chaudhary for not voting, JP Nadda said, "Today, a leader (RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary) did not cast his vote. It shows their dynastic arrogance. The power of democracy gives answers to such people". Today, a leader (RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary) did not cast his vote. It shows their dynastic arrogance. The power of democracy gives answers to such people: BJP national president JP Nadda, in Biswan, Uttar Pradesh pic.twitter.com/Yq4UQoHHEi — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 "More than 700 temples and dhams have been renovated by my govt. We have also started the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya. They (previous govts) imposed curfew, but we take out Kanwar Yatra," said UP CM Yogi Adityanath at a rally in Bijnor. More than 700 temples and dhams have been renovated by my govt. We have also started the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya. They (previous govts) imposed curfew, but we take out Kanwar Yatra: UP CM Yogi Adityanath at a rally in Bijnor#UttarPradeshElections2022 pic.twitter.com/94iWfUpxjW — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 "Only BJP has remained a national party, all other parties have become parties of dynasties, 'parivar-vaad', regionalism...Indian National Congress has neither remained national nor Indian, it has become a brother-sister party, " says BJP chief JP Nadda in Biswan Only BJP has remained a national party,all other parties have become parties of dynasties, 'parivar-vaad', regionalism...Indian National Congress has neither remained national nor Indian, it has become a brother-sister party:BJP chief JP Nadda in Biswan#UttarPradeshElection2022 pic.twitter.com/4rAx0E2DVf — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 #WATCH | Raju Kohli, a youth dressed as CM Yogi Adityanath arrived at a polling booth in Sector 11 of Noida to cast his vote for #UttarPradeshElections2022 pic.twitter.com/3o5gTH6b3q — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 In a development that is set to invite the wrath of BJP, the SP-led alliance has decided to give a poll ticket to don-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari. As per sources, he will contest from Mau on the symbol of the OP Rajbhar-led Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party. Currently languishing in the Banda jail, Mukhtar Ansari is a 5-time MLA from the Mau constituency and faces more than 50 criminal cases not just in UP but other states as well. BJP has stepped up its UP election campaign with PM Modi set to address a physical rally in Patiyali, Kasganj tomorrow. Moreover, he will also address a virtual rally for the constituencies of Bareilly, Hathras, Firozabad, Etah and Farrukhabad. The Congress party released a list of 33 candidates for the UP polls. This includes seats in the 6th and 7th phases. The candidates selected by the Central Election Committee for the ensuing general elections to the Legislative Assembly of Uttar Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/Z7vgHkhMoG — INC Sandesh (@INCSandesh) February 10, 2022 "If UP turns into Kerala as Yogi Adityanath fears, it will enjoy the best education, health services, social welfare, living standards and have a harmonious society in which people won't be murdered in the name of religion and caste. That's what the people of UP would want," taunted Pinarayi Vijayan. If UP turns into Kerala as @myogiadityanath fears, it will enjoy the best education, health services, social welfare, living standards and have a harmonious society in which people won't be murdered in the name of religion and caste. That's what the people of UP would want. — Pinarayi Vijayan (@vijayanpinarayi) February 10, 2022 35.03% voter turnout recorded till 1pm in the first phase of UP elections 35.03% voter turnout recorded till 1pm in the first phase of #UttarPradeshElections2022 pic.twitter.com/vrkvVC05LM — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra holds a road show in Rampur. She said, "Vote on issues of unemployment, inflation, crimes against women and Dalits, poverty. Think and vote. Cast your vote for someone who is working to resolve these issues". #WATCH | Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra holds a road show in Rampur.#UttarPradeshElections2022 pic.twitter.com/sfADPsM6Rf — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 "There is SP-RLD wave in entire UP, especially in Mant. I've visited polling booths since morning. Voters are coming out in large numbers & voting for SP-RLD. The local MLA is an 8-time MLA, he made Mant the most backward tehsil of Mathura...Competition is very easy," said SP-RLD candidate from Mant Sanjay Lathar SP-RLD candidate from Mant assembly constituency, Sanjay Lathar and his family cast their vote at a polling booth in Mathura.#UttarPradeshElections2022 pic.twitter.com/P3EjtsqZ5q — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 "Earlier, this area used to be called the crime capital. Today, there is law and order and development, mafia raj has ended," said Balyan. Union Minister Dr. Sanjeev Balyan casts his vote in Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh Earlier, this area used to be called the crime capital. Today, there is law and order and development, mafia raj has ended, he says. pic.twitter.com/L7gw9alyyD — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 Union MoS Ajay Mishra's on - Ashish Mishra gets bail from Allahabad High Court in Lakhimpur Kheri case. The constituency goes to polls on February 23. Amid concerns of him not casting his vote, RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary said, "My vote is in Mathura. My wife has already voted, I will try to vote. He added, "I appeal everyone to vote for change. Yogi is requesting that up should not become kerala. Kerala is much ahead of up, it has 100% literacy". "They think of themselves are very powerful. But we are on the path of progress. People will vote in our favour". Wooing Muslim women in Uttar Pradesh, PM Modi on Thursday, touted that Muslim women had praised his govt for abolishing the Triple talaq. "Every sector has opened for women today. Muslim sisters know our good intentions. We made law against triple talaq and Muslim sisters free now. Muslim women praised bjp govt," said PM Modi. Lashing out at Opposition, he added, "Those dealing in vote banks were worried that even their sisters were supporting modi. They could not digest the support Muslim women were giving to Modi. They want muslim women to be behind. But we are with all Muslim women and yogi's govt important to secure and protect muslim women". Backing the 'double-engine' govt in UP, PM Modi said, "BJP is necessary so that PMAY scheme reaches the people; Farmers can continue to get money under DBT; poor can get free ration during the pandemic, hence BJP is necessary for UP," at a Saharanpur. He added, "Some constituencies in western UP are voting for the 1st phase. I'm glad that on such winter mornings, people are going to vote in huge numbers. BJP's 'ghoshna patra' is a resolution for welfare". #March10WithArnab | BJP is necessary so that PMAY scheme reaches the people; Farmers can continue to get money under DBT; poor can get free ration during the pandemic, hence BJP is necessary for UP: PM Modi Tune in to watch #LIVE, here: https://t.co/4tHrJRVu1j pic.twitter.com/Yh00hnr5AD — Republic (@republic) February 10, 2022 As per data released by the Election Commission, the overall turnout for the 58 seats that have gone to the polls today is 20.03% as of 11 am. Among all constituencies, the seats of Etmadpur (29%) and Ghaziabad (7.37%) have witnessed the highest and lowest voter turnout respectively. Here is the district-wise turnout: Agra- 20.42% Aligarh- 17.91% Baghpat- 22.24% Bulandshahr- 21.63% Gautam Buddha Nagar- 18.43% Ghaziabad- 17.26% Hapur- 22.78% Mathura- 20.39% Meerut- 18.92% Muzaffarnagar- 22.56% Shamli- 22.84% Addressing a rally in Saharanpur, UP CM Yogi Adityanath saying, "Double engine govt works well. The entire Saharanpur belt has been uplifted. Saharanpur will get a university in the name of native goddess here. They had declared Saharanpur a dark zone he added, "We gave electricity for 24 hours. Now pipes used here instead of a handpump. The vaccine saved lives. Double engine govt gave double vaccine and double ration". Saharanpur is scheduled for polling in phase-2 on February 14 Jewar's BJP candidate Dhirendra Singh speaks to Republic as Uttar Pradesh goes to polls; talks about upcoming infra projects in Jewar such as 'Asia's largest airport, film city, medical institute' among others under Yogi government #March10WithArnab | Jewar's BJP candidate @DhirendraGBN speaks to Republic as Uttar Pradesh goes to polls; talks about upcoming infra projects in Jewar such as 'Asia's largest airport, film city, medical institute' among others under Yogi governmenthttps://t.co/4tHrJRVu1j pic.twitter.com/Zn7xr0J2Ii — Republic (@republic) February 10, 2022 "Pehle matdaan, uske baad bahu, uske baad sab kaam," says Ankur Balyan, a bridegroom who had come to cast his vote at a polling booth in Muzaffarnagar ahead of his wedding today. #WATCH | "Pehle matdaan, uske baad bahu, uske baad sab kaam," says Ankur Balyan, a bridegroom who had come to cast his vote at a polling booth in Muzaffarnagar ahead of his wedding today.#UttarPradeshElections2022 pic.twitter.com/KaYsv5s2Bb — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 "How responsible is it for Jayant Chaudhary to not go out and vote because he has an election rally? What message is he sending? Has he already abandoned the idea of winning? Why should people come out and even consider the RLD when he isn’t serious about casting his vote?" asks Amit Malviya Ankur Balyan, a bridegroom came to cast his vote at a polling booth in Muzaffarnagar ahead of his wedding today. #WATCH | "Pehle matdaan, uske baad bahu, uske baad sab kaam," says Ankur Balyan, a bridegroom who had come to cast his vote at a polling booth in Muzaffarnagar ahead of his wedding today.#UttarPradeshElections2022 pic.twitter.com/KaYsv5s2Bb — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 Senior citizen voters arrive at a polling booth in Ghaziabad, to exercise their franchise, in the first phase of polling of Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections Senior citizen voters arrive at a polling booth in Ghaziabad, to exercise their franchise, in the first phase of polling of Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections pic.twitter.com/F0Evnp5zJr — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 "Complaints of EVM malfunction from few polling stations were addressed immediately&polling resumed. Police, paramilitary forces deployed at all polling stations. To attract more voters,we've established Pink polling booths for women&selfie points at polling centres," said Meerut DM UP | Complaints of EVM malfunction from few polling stations were addressed immediately&polling resumed. Police, paramilitary forces deployed at all polling stations. To attract more voters,we've established Pink polling booths for women&selfie points at polling centres:Meerut DM pic.twitter.com/JEgQZ29RgZ — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 "Everything is in people's hands but we're confident that they'll support us. It was challenging as BJP & state machinery's focus was on Kairana. Our rival here isn't the local candidate but entire BJP & its machinery," said Iqra Hasan Speaking to Republic TV, she added, "'Exodus not an issue in Kairana, BJP wants to do polarisation" #March10WithArnab | As Uttar Pradesh goes to polls, SP leader Nahid Hasan's sister Iqra Hasan speaks to Republic, says 'Exodus not an issue in Kairana, BJP wants to do polarisation' Tune in to watch comprehensive coverage on UP assembly election, here: https://t.co/GoKVTowNIK pic.twitter.com/ICiFbBdKjF — Republic (@republic) February 10, 2022 Republic reporting #LIVE from Mathura outside the polling centres as phase 1 of the assembly polls is underway in Uttar Pradesh #March10WithArnab | Republic reporting #LIVE from Mathura outside the polling centres as phase 1 of the assembly polls is underway in Uttar Pradesh Tune in to watch: https://t.co/O0PMqiYLDQ pic.twitter.com/jReoOZGIOO — Republic (@republic) February 10, 2022 There is no challenge for me. Mandir was never a political issue for us, it was the other parties who wanted to make this an issue': BJP Noida MLA Pankaj Singh speaks to Republic #RepublicExclusive on #March10WithArnab | 'There is no challenge for me. Mandir was never a political issue for us, it was the other parties who wanted to make this an issue': BJP Noida MLA Pankaj Singh speaks to Republic #UttarPradeshElections2022 https://t.co/Dt2eo386Bm pic.twitter.com/n43J1WTeLY — Republic (@republic) February 10, 2022 "I am confident BJP will win with full majority. We have done lots of development in UP and people will vote for BJP. Farmers' protests will not impact Western UP," said General VK Singh ahead of casting vote #BREAKING on #March10WithArnab | I am confident BJP will win with full majority. We have done lots of development in UP and people will vote for BJP. Farmers' protests will not impact Western UP: General VK Singh ahead of casting vote https://t.co/TBJbdJjF9x pic.twitter.com/PnkFit9xZq — Republic (@republic) February 10, 2022 BJP MP Bhola Singh casts vote in Bulandshah BJP MP from Bulandshahr, Dr Bhola Singh casts his vote in the first phase of polling of the #UttarPradeshElections2022 pic.twitter.com/i3evgsbT3O — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 Speaking to Republic TV, Bhola Singh said, "There is no competition. The way in 2017 our minister anil sharma won with more than 51 thousand more votes. This time it will be doubled and win is sure. "Youth is excited, the way women are provided safety, people were saved during covid, Ganga express. This is our win. Today the alliance is of sp and lok dal," he said He added,"in 2019, bjp and lok dal were in alliance. Again bjp will win all 7 seats this time and bjp govt will be formed". "From 2012 to 2017 the goondaraj during sp govt. Today girls are safe, govt has made up free of gundaraj. Now priyanka gandhi said that we will forgive farmers loans in two days. I want to ask here first to fulfill the promises you made to rajasthan," he said. "New Slogan of New UP: Let development be an ideology!", tweets Akhilesh Yadav न्यू यूपी का नया नारा : विकास ही विचारधारा बने! — Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) February 10, 2022 "I appeal to the voters to give your invaluable vote by pressing the lotus button for the development of the state," posted Union Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia on Koo "Not NOTA, vote in the election for the farmers' issues," posted Rakesh Tikait on Koo 7.95% voter turnout recorded till 9:30am in the first phase of UP elections 7.95% voter turnout recorded till 9:30am in the first phase of #UttarPradeshElections2022 pic.twitter.com/EvSztNM0fv — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 People queue up at the polling booths in Muzaffarnagar, Sardhana, Mathura, Jewar as they await their turn to cast vote in the first phase of UP polls Muzaffarnagar: People queue up at the polling booth in Purva Madhyamik Kanya Vidyalaya, Kutbi as they await their turn to cast vote in the first phase of #UttarPradeshElections pic.twitter.com/botYpT3tlN — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 Voting underway in Jewar (pics 1 & 2) and Shamli (pics 3 & 4) in the first phase of #UttarPradeshElections2022 Polling underway in 58 Assembly constituencies of the State today pic.twitter.com/T30kG7FRp1 — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 Voting underway at a polling booth in Sardhana Assembly constituency of Uttar Pradesh in the first phase of polling pic.twitter.com/Z22o1Pe0MB — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 People queue up at Jain Inter College in Baghpat as they cast their votes for the first phase of #UttarPradeshElections pic.twitter.com/0bY5UNDIp0 — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 #UttarPradeshElections2022 | Long queue of voters at a polling booth in Mathura district as the first phase of polling is underway in the state today pic.twitter.com/xIPFz4mhv0 — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 UP Minister Sandeep Singh casts his vote at a polling booth in Aligarh UP Minister Sandeep Singh casts his vote in the first phase of #UttarPradeshElections, at a polling booth in Aligarh. pic.twitter.com/O70qNcfmdv — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 Union Minister & BJP leader SP Singh Baghel, who is contesting against Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav from Mainpuri's Karhal, casts his vote in Agra Union Minister & BJP leader SP Singh Baghel, who is contesting against Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav from Mainpuri's Karhal, casts his vote in Agra pic.twitter.com/swOYEXxdAS — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 Union Minister SP Singh Baghel, who is contesting against Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav from Mainpuri's Karhal, says "Karhal has decided to defeat Akhilesh Yadav to end 'goonda raj". Union Minister SP Singh Baghel, who is contesting against Samajwadi Party Chief Akhilesh Yadav from Mainpuri's Karhal, says "Karhal has decided to defeat Akhilesh Yadav to end 'goonda raj'". Baghel will cast his vote in Agra district today pic.twitter.com/PTS0dTgCdP — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 'Positive changes and developments have been brought in Noida in the past 5 years. When SP-BSP-Cong support Pakistan & China, then what can they say to the people of the country?,' says Pankaj Singh, BJP candidate from Noida seat. #UttarPradeshElections2022 | Positive changes and developments have been brought in Noida in the past 5 years. When SP-BSP-Cong support Pakistan & China, then what can they say to the people of the country?: Pankaj Singh, BJP candidate from Noida seat pic.twitter.com/9PP8GuVZmP — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 "It shows your faith in Democracy. His vote doesn't matter because everyone knows BJP will win the elections," says UP Minister Shrikant Sharma on RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary not casting his vote #BREAKING on #March10WithArnab | 'It shows your faith in Democracy. His vote doesn't matter because everyone knows BJP will win the elections': UP Minister Shrikant Sharma on RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary not casting his vote#UttarPradeshElections2022 https://t.co/TBJbdJjF9x pic.twitter.com/64vwTNy8jO — Republic (@republic) February 10, 2022 #BREAKING on #March10WithArnab | Lotus has done Vikas, Lotus is doing Vikas, and Lotus will continue to do Vikas: UP Minister Shrikant Sharma to Republic#UttarPradeshElections2022 Watch #LIVE - https://t.co/TBJbdJjF9x pic.twitter.com/QkzbG6jfZC — Republic (@republic) February 10, 2022 In a big development, sources told Republic TV that RLD chief Jayant Chaudhary will not cast his vote in the UP election today. This is reportedly owing to the fact that he is busy in campaigning. All EVMs in the Khedka booth of Baghpat have been stopped working since the last 30 minutes. All voters have lined up and crowded the site. As per data released by the Election Commission, the overall turnout for the 58 seats that have gone to the polls today is 7.93% as of 9 am. The constituencies in the Baghpat district witnessed the highest turnout of 8.93%. On the other hand, the seats in the Ghaziabad district have recorded the lowest turnout of 7.37% until now. Accusing the BJP government at the Centre and in UP for ignoring problems such as poverty, unemployment, inflation, lack of sanitation and so forth, BSP supremo Mayawati urged people to vote for her party. She stressed, "It is time to decide whether the coming five years in UP will be full of sorrow and helplessness for you as before or you will be able to save yourself". Moreover, she opined, "BSP is a movement of social change and economic emancipation, whose goal is to liberate the poor, laborers, farmers, small traders and other toiling society from the helpless and slave-like life and make them proper partners in power, which BJP, SP and Congress are not capable of." 1. यूपी विधानसभा आमचुनाव के लिए पश्चिमी यूपी में 11 ज़िलों के 58 विधानसभा क्षेत्रों में आज प्रथम चरण के मतदान में आप सभी का हार्दिक स्वागत। यह फैसले की घड़ी है कि यूपी में आने वाले पाँच वर्ष आपके लिए पहले की तरह ही दुख व लाचारी भरे होंगे या आप अपना उद्धार स्वंय करने योग्य बनेंगे। — Mayawati (@Mayawati) February 10, 2022 People queue up at Jain Inter College in Baghpat as they cast their votes for the first phase of the Uttar Pradesh Election. People queue up at Jain Inter College in Baghpat as they cast their votes for the first phase of #UttarPradeshElections pic.twitter.com/0bY5UNDIp0 — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 As the Uttar Pradesh election got underway, BJP's poll candidate Sangeet Som stoked a row by dubbing his opponents as supporters of Pakistan's founding father Muhammad Ali Jinnah. This was seen as a reference to SP Akhilesh Yadav's claim during a public rally on October 31, 2021, that Jinnah fought for India's independence. The two-time MLA is contesting from Sardhana where polling is taking place on Thursday. Sangeet Som remarked, "We have done development works worth Rs.2000 crore in the Sardhana constituency. The people have seen the hooliganism, terror and appeasement of the parties who are contesting the election against us. The people of Uttar Pradesh do not want to see that again. On one hand, the supporters of Sardar are fighting whereas supporters of Jinnah are fighting on the other side." In a big claim, Samajwadi Party alleged that the police machinery is preventing polling agents from entering booth number 353 and 354 of the Etmadpur seat. It urged the Agra District Magistrate to take cognizance of the matter and ensure impartial voting. आगरा जिले की एत्मादपुर विधानसभा 86, बूथ नंबर 353, 354 पर पुलिस प्रशासन पोलिंग एजेंटों को बूथ के अंदर जाने से रोक रहा है। कृपया संज्ञान संज्ञान लेकर निष्पक्ष मतदान कराने का कष्ट करें @OfficeOfDMAgra @ECISVEEP — Samajwadi Party (@samajwadiparty) February 10, 2022 "My dear sisters and brothers of western Uttar Pradesh, use the power of votes for your issues and for building a better future for the state," tweets Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. She also told Congress workers tobe proud tweeting, "we are fighting with on all seats after 30 years". पश्चिमी उत्तरप्रदेश के मेरे प्यारे बहनों-भाइयों, वोट की ताकत का इस्तेमाल अपने मुद्दों और प्रदेश के बेहतर भविष्य के निर्माण के लिए करिए। यू पी कांग्रेस के मेरे सभी साथियों, कार्यकर्ताओं और प्रत्याशियों को शुभकामनाएँ- आपको गर्व होना चाहिए कि 30 साल बाद...1/2 — Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) February 10, 2022 "After the elections of 5 states, the Modi government will increase the GDP rapidly. Yes, the price of gas (G), diesel (D) , petrol (P) ! There is only one way out. Defeat BJP, get rid of inflation," tweets Congress Spokesperson Randeep Surjewala Samajwadi Party's official handle tweets: "Give a befitting reply to the communal forces by voting for the protection of the constitution, security of democracy and mutual brotherhood. Your every vote will strengthen democracy. Vote for the SP-RLD alliance candidates for the prosperous future and prosperity of Uttar Pradesh." मतदान ज़रूर करें संविधान की रक्षा, लोकतंत्र की सुरक्षा और आपसी भाईचारा हेतु वोट कर साम्प्रदायिक ताकतों को करारा जवाब दें। आपका एक-एक वोट प्रजातंत्र को मजबूती प्रदान करेगा। उत्तर प्रदेश के उन्नत भविष्य एवं खुशहाली के लिए सपा~आरएलडी गठबंधन प्रत्याशियों को वोट अवश्य दें। pic.twitter.com/5wIN5PW88Y — Samajwadi Party (@samajwadiparty) February 10, 2022 As polling begins, SP releases helpline numbers. Urges voters to call if any issues while voting प्रथम चरण के मतदान के दौरान किसी भी तरह की समस्या या अनियमितता पाए जाने पर समाजवादी कार्यकर्ता और नेता इन नंबरों पर संपर्क कर सूचना दें। pic.twitter.com/xmkRNngA1I — Samajwadi Party (@samajwadiparty) February 9, 2022 "Officials abusing women voters at Anupshahr-67, the assembly of Bulandshahr district", tweets SP बुलंदशहर जनपद की विधानसभा अनूपशहर-67, पर महिला मतदाताओं से अधिकारी अभद्रता कर रहे है। तत्काल संज्ञान ले, कार्रवाई कर, सुचारू एवं निष्पक्ष मतदान सुनिश्चित करे चुनाव आयोग @ECISVEEP — Samajwadi Party (@samajwadiparty) February 10, 2022 "A long queue at booth number 82 of Kithor-46 assembly seat of Meerut, but the officials are not starting the voting," tweets SP मेरठ की किठौर-46 विधानसभा सीट के बूथ संख्या 82 पर लंबी कतार लग चुकी है लेकिन अधिकारी मतदान शुरू नहीं करा रहे हैं। चुनाव आयोग से अनुरोध है कि तत्काल संज्ञान लेकर सुचारू मतदान सुनिश्चित कराएं।@ECISVEEP — Samajwadi Party (@samajwadiparty) February 10, 2022 "Free the country from all fear- Come out, vote!," tweets Gandhi scion - Rahul Gandhi as 58 seats are up for grabs in UP Phase-1 polls देश को हर डर से आज़ाद करो- बाहर आओ, वोट करो! — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) February 10, 2022 As polling gets underway, Republic TV #LIVE at Noida #BREAKING on #March10WithArnab | Republic brings you LIVE ground analysis from Noida as voting is underway for the first phase of #UttarPradeshElections2022 Tune in to Watch here - https://t.co/TBJbdJjF9x pic.twitter.com/7SL5bU52Sl — Republic (@republic) February 10, 2022 "129 Company Force of CAPF deployed on all booths", informs Vikash Kumar, SP City Agra Police & administrative officers doing rounds since morning. 129 Company Force of CAPF deployed on all booths. No booth in the dist where CAPF isn't deployed. Civil Police & Home Guard jawans also deployed as per EC's guideline: Vikash Kumar, SP City Agra#UttarPradeshElections pic.twitter.com/5ok7qcj1zg — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 "Model polling booths established, & paramilitary forces deployed & videography being done at all polling booths," says Suhas LY, DM, Gautam Budh Nagar "Polling process has started at all booths. Some complaints regarding EVMs received from some random booths, we are replacing those machines and resolving their matter. Peaceful polling underway, no law & order situation anywhere," says Jasjit Kaur, Shamli DM Polling process has started at all booths. Some complaints regarding EVMs received from some random booths, we are replacing those machines and resolving their matter. Peaceful polling underway, no law & order situation anywhere: Jasjit Kaur, Shamli DM #UttarPradeshElections pic.twitter.com/yktYRIhiu0 — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 Zikra, a first-time voter, casts her vote at a polling booth in Kairana. She says, "It is important to exercise your voting right. I feel good after casting my vote." Zikra, a first time voter, casts her vote in the first phase of #UttarPradeshElections, along with her family at a polling booth in Kairana. She says, "It is important to exercise your voting right. I feel good after casting my vote." pic.twitter.com/18pHCv2cV4 — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 Republic TV is #LIVE at Kairana polling booth #BREAKING on #March10WithArnab | Republic LIVE from Kairana Assembly Constituency as polling for #UttarPradeshElections2022 phase 1 is underway Tune in to watch Fastest updates, analysis only on #Republic here https://t.co/TBJbdJjF9x pic.twitter.com/dKIU96bXVE — Republic (@republic) February 10, 2022 UP Minister and BJP candidate from Mathura, Shrikant Sharma offers prayers at Govardhan Temple UP Minister and BJP candidate from Mathura, Shrikant Sharma offers prayers at Govardhan Temple here, as voting for the first phase of #UttarPradeshElections gets underway. pic.twitter.com/8KIgMcENNO — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 Speaking to Republic TV, BJP's SP Singh Baghel says, "From Ghaziabad to Ghazipur, people have supported me. Akhilesh Yadav is not a challenge" #BREAKING on #March10WithArnab | From Ghaziabad to Ghazipur, people have supported me. Akhilesh Yadav is not a challenge: SP Singh Baghel speaks to Republic as polling for #UttarPradeshElections2022 phase 1 begins Tune in - https://t.co/Dt2eo386Bm pic.twitter.com/tHyWsZbE2L — Republic (@republic) February 10, 2022 UP CM Yogi Adityanath urges people to vote for BJP in Phase-1 elections उत्तर प्रदेश के मेरे मतदाता भाइयों एवं बहनों... pic.twitter.com/voB37uA3uV — Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) February 9, 2022 BJP's Shrikant Sharma speaks to Republic TV, says "Our Party's point is cultural nationalism. Borders are safe right now and we have done a lot of welfare of poor people". #BREAKING on #March10WithArnab | 'Our Party's point is cultural nationalism. Borders are safe right now and we have done a lot of welfare of poor people': UP Minister and BJP leader Shrikant Sharma tells Republic #UttarPradeshElections2022 Watch - https://t.co/TBJbdJjF9x pic.twitter.com/g2oDM6bsAW — Republic (@republic) February 10, 2022 "All communities will vote for us. There's no point talking about 2013 riots, it's only the BJP who is raking up the issue," said RLD leader Ahmed Hameed to Republic TV #BREAKING on #March10WithArnab | All communities will vote for us. There's no point talking about 2013 riots, it's only the BJP who is raking up the issue: SP-RLD candidate Ahmed Hameed to Republic https://t.co/m5faSwyecQ pic.twitter.com/6MoRlNsOtj — Republic (@republic) February 10, 2022 PM Modi urges people to cast votes in UP Phase-1 elections उत्तर प्रदेश विधानसभा चुनाव में आज पहले चरण की वोटिंग है। सभी मतदाताओं से मेरा आग्रह है कि वे कोविड नियमों का पालन करते हुए लोकतंत्र के इस पावन पर्व में बढ़-चढ़कर हिस्सा लें। याद रखना है- पहले मतदान, फिर जलपान! — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 10, 2022 Polling begins on 58 seats in Phase-1 of UP Elections Voting for the first phase of #UttarPradeshElections begins. Visuals from a primary school in Gantholi. pic.twitter.com/XvDfQA4CVZ — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 People form queues at booth number 299 - at Public Inter College - in Kairana as voting for the first phase of #UttarPradeshElections begins. pic.twitter.com/GYEBLkXypH — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 Noida: People cast their votes in the first phase of #UttarPradeshElections, visuals from booth number 277 to 284 in Sector 20. pic.twitter.com/Xj4564OXkb — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 Muzaffarnagar: People queue up at the polling booth in Purva Madhyamik Kanya Vidyalaya, Kutbi as they await their turn to cast vote in the first phase of #UttarPradeshElections pic.twitter.com/botYpT3tlN — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh and BJP chief JP Nadda urge citizens to cast their votes as UP polls phase-1 commences. आज उत्तर प्रदेश में प्रथम चरण का मतदान है। मैं इस चरण के सभी भाइयों-बहनों से अपील करता हूँ कि प्रदेश में विकास के साथ-साथ आपको सुरक्षा, सम्मान व सुशासन देने वाली सरकार को चुनने के लिए अधिक से अधिक संख्या में मतदान करें। आपका एक वोट उत्तर प्रदेश के उज्ज्वल भविष्य का आधार है। — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) February 10, 2022 लोकतांत्रिक व्यवस्था में सबसे बड़ा दान, मतदान होता है। उत्तर प्रदेश के विधानसभा चुनाव के लिए आज मतदान का पहला चरण है। सभी मतदाताओं से मेरा अनुरोध है कि वे अपने मताधिकार का प्रयोग अवश्य करें और नए उत्तर प्रदेश के निर्माण में सहभागी बनें। — Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) February 10, 2022 उत्तर प्रदेश की महान जनता ने यूपी को उत्तम प्रदेश बनते देखा है। यहां प्रशासनिक व्यवस्था को दुरुस्त करने वाली सुशासन की सरकार को देखा है। आज आपके पास राज्य की प्रगति, समृद्धि और खुशहाली बनाए रखने का सुनहरा अवसर है। मैं आप सभी से अनुरोध करता हूँ, अपने मताधिकार का प्रयोग अवश्य करें। — Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) February 10, 2022 BJP MP Rajkumar Chahar, BJP minister Shrikant Sharma, BJP leaders Sangeet Som, Baby Rani Maurya cast their votes BJP MP Rajkumar Chahar casts his vote at a polling booth in Agra.#UttarPradeshElections pic.twitter.com/OJRHk5Li0P — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 These elections are no ordinary elections but are associated with development and safety of women in the state. In the last 5 years, we have laid the foundation for a prosperous Uttar Pradesh: Shrikant Sharma, BJP candidate from Mathura Assembly constituency pic.twitter.com/qJOCKAMuhL — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 We are fighting on the agenda of development as we work with the mantra of 'Sabka saath, sabka vikas'. The people of the state don't want to see the politics of appeasement: Sangeet Som, BJP candidate from Sardhana Assembly constituency#UttarPradeshElections2022 pic.twitter.com/gpeJtxqeaI — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 #UttarPradeshElections2022 | I am confident that the citizens will vote in favour of Bharatiya Janata Party for good governance in the State, says BJP candidate from Agra Rural, Baby Rani Maurya Polling is being held in 58 Assembly constituencies today; 623 candidates in fray pic.twitter.com/mdHfCoF2iU — ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) February 10, 2022 The battle for Uttar Pradesh begins with polling scheduled to take place in 58 Assembly seats spread across 11 districts in the Western UP. Campaigning in the constituencies going to vote in the first round of the seven-phase election in the politically crucial state ended on Tuesday evening. The polling will start at 7 AM in these constituencies according to the guidelines of the Election Commission to ensure COVID-safe polls. The voting will end at 6 PM. The districts where the elections will be held are Shamli, Hapur, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, Mathura and Agra. The first phase will cover the Jat-dominated belt of Western UP from where farmers had participated actively in the stir against the Centre's three agri laws in the national capital. As many as 623 candidates are in the fray in the first phase and around 2.27 crore people are eligible to vote in this phase. In 2017, the BJP bagged 53 of the 58 seats, while the Samajwadi Party and the BSP had got two seats each. One seat had gone to the Rashtriya Lok Dal. Republic P-MARQ Opinion poll predicts that the NDA is likely to emerge as the single largest alliance once again in Uttar Pradesh with 249-269 seats in the 2022 Assembly polls. However, the saffron will suffer a major seat loss as Akhilesh Yadav's Samajwadi Party and its allies may win 113-133 seats. The Bahujan Samaj Party's seat share is likely to reduce further as the Republic P-MARQ Opinion Poll suggests only 9-17 seats for Mayawati's party. On the other hand, Congress may get 3-9 seats. Noida: Pankaj Singh (BJP) vs Sunil Choudhary (SP) vs Pankhuri Pathak (Congress) Noida is perceived as a prestigious seat for BJP as Defence Minister and former UP CM Rajnath Singh's son Pankaj Singh is seeking re-election from here. This seat falls under the Gautam Buddha Nagar district. In the 2017 election, Singh had trounced Sunil Choudhary of SP by a margin of 1,04,016 votes. While SP has again fielded Choudhary, BSP and AAP have given a ticket to Kripa Ram Sharma and Pankaj Avana respectively. This time, there is another strong challenger in Congress' Pankhuri Pathak who was a former spokesperson of SP. Kairana: Nahid Hasan (SP) vs Mriganka Singh (BJP) This constituency falls under the Kairana Lok Sabha segment and is a part of the Shamli district. While BJP veteran Hukum Singh won this seat from 1996 onwards, it was wrested by SP's Nahid Hasan in 2014 after the former resigned post being elected to the Lok Sabha. In the 2017 election as well, Hasan defeated the late BJP leader's daughter Mriganka Singh by 21,162 votes. Kairana has been a subject of intense discussion after BJP has often alleged the exodus of Hindus from here during the tenure of the Samajwadi Party government. Moreover, SP has come under fire for renominating Nahid Hasan despite him facing multiple criminal cases relating to fraud and extortion. On January 15, Hasan was arrested by the Uttar Pradesh Police in a case registered under the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act and remanded to judicial custody by the MP/MLA court. BJP's Mriganka Singh will take on the incarcerated leader once again while Rajendra of BSP and Akhlak of Congress are the other key candidates. Thana Bhawan: Suresh Kumar (BJP) vs Ashraf Ali (RLD) Having won from Thana Bhawan two times in a row, UP Minister Suresh Kumar is seeking a third term as an MLA amid the issues of the sugarcane farmers pertaining to pending dues. He is currently serving as the Minister for Sugarcane Development and Sugar Mills in the Yogi Adityanath-led government. He polled 16,817 votes over his nearest opponent- BSP's Abdul Waris Khan in the previous election. On this occasion, SP ally RLD has fielded Ashraf Ali who lost to Kumar with a narrow margin of 265 votes in the 2012 polls. Ali is the former chairman of the Jalalabad Municipal Council. On the other hand, Congress has given a ticket to Satyam Saini whereas BSP has reposed faith in Zaheer Malik. Agra Rural: Baby Rani Maurya (BJP) vs Mahesh Kumar (RLD) This seat has gained immense importance with BJP fielding ex-Uttarakhand Governor Baby Rani Maurya from here. Having served as the Mayor of Agra from 1995 to 2000, Baby Rani Maurya narrowly lost to her BSP opponent from the Etmadpur seat in the 2007 Assembly polls. On August 26, 2018, she took oath as the Uttarakhand Governor becoming the second woman Governor of the state after Margaret Alva. In an unexpected development, Maurya stepped down from her post on September 8, 2021, and was appointed as the BJP vice president by party president JP Nadda 12 days later. In 2017, BJP's Hemlata Diwakar comfortably won Agra Rural. The other candidates are Congress' Upendra Singh, BSP's Kiran Prabha Keshari and RLD's Mahesh Kumar. Muzaffarnagar: Kapil Dev Aggarwal (BJP) vs Saurabh (RLD) With BJP leaders raking up the Muzaffarnagar riots on the campaign trail, this constituency has become a test case to determine whether farmers are willing to trust the SP-RLD combine despite the anger against the farm laws. While BJP's Kapil Dev Aggarwal who is the UP Minister for Vocational Education and Skill Development has held this seat from 2015, he has won with narrow margins. For instance, he beat SP's Gaurav Swarup Bansal by 10,704 votes in the previous election. This time, RLD has nominated Saurabh while Congress has put up Subodh Sharma from this seat. Mathura: Shrikant Sharma (BJP) vs Pradeep Mathur (Congress) This constituency falls under the Mathura Lok Sabha segment and is a part of the Mathura district. While speculation was rife that UP Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya was eyeing this seat, BJP gave the ticket to state Minister for Energy and Additional Sources of Energy Shrikant Sharma. The latter defeated Congress' Pradeep Mathura by a staggering margin of 1,01,161 votes in the last Assembly election. Mathur, who held the seat from 2002 to 2017 has again been nominated by the Congress party. On the other hand, SP has fielded former Sadabad MLA Devendra Agrawal. Sardhana: Sangeet Som (BJP) vs Atul Pradhan (SP) For this election, BJP has again reposed faith in Muzaffarnagar riots accused Sangeet Som. He was arrested on September 20, 2013, for allegedly uploading a fake video that played a role in triggering communal tensions. Som won from here in 2012 as well as 2017. On the other hand, Atul Pradhan is the SP candidate. This is being looked at as an interesting contest owing to the impact of the farmers' unrest and the perception of anti-incumbency.

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Assembly Elections 2022: Sidhu will be given super CM post, says Congress MP Ravneet Bittu

Uttar Pradesh will hold the second phase of voting in 55 assembly seats across nine districts on February 14. While Goa is scheduled to go for election on Saturday in a single phase to elect 40 members of the Goa Legislative Assembly. Results of all the elections are to be declared on March 10.