UP Phase 4: Voting Ends with 57.45% Turnout; PM Modi says UP is 'Family'
Catch all live updates from the fourth phase of Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections here.
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Voting for the fourth phase of Uttar Pradesh (UP) Assembly elections ended at 6 pm on Wednesday, 23 February with a 57.45 percent voter turnout recorded till 5:00 pm. Counting of the votes will be done on 10 March.
Polling was underway in several key constituencies, including Lucknow, with many high-profile leaders including Union Minister Rajnath Singh and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati casting their votes in the capital city.
Minister of State Home Affairs Ajay Mishra Teni cast his vote in a polling booth in Banbirpur of Lakhimpur Kheri. Teni's son, Ashish Mishra, is the prime accused in the murder of four farmers, who were crushed under one of his cars.
Asha Singh, Congress candidate and the mother of the girl who was allegedly raped by former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, also cast her vote in Unnao.
Polling in this phase, which includes the five prime seats in the capital city of Lucknow, spans over nine districts and 59 constituencies
The voters from following districts will cast their vote on Wednesday: Lakhimpur Kheri, Pilibhit, Sitapur, Hardoi, Unnao, Lucknow, Rae Bareli, Banda, and Fatehpur. These districts cover 16 reserved constituencies
The BJP and its ally Apna Dal (Sonelal) had won 52 out of the 59 seats voting in this phase in 2017, while the Samajwadi Party (SP) had won four
Seven out of nine districts going to the polls are in the Awadh region, while Pilibhit is in Rohilkhand and Banda in Bundelkhand
PM Modi Slams Rivals in UP Rallies
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hit out at rivals during his rallies in Baranki and Ayodhya districts, saying that they only care about "vote bank" politics and turn a blind eye to the problems of Muslim women suffering due to triple talaq.
PM Modi took a jab at rivals for claiming that they can understand people's pain more than those who have no family and said that UP and the entire country is family.
57.45% voter turnout till 5 pm
A 57.45 percent voter turnout has been recorded till 5:00 pm as voting is underway for the fourth phase of the Uttar Pradesh (UP) Assembly elections.
Here's the district-wise turnout:
Banda: 57.50%
Fatehpur: 57.02%
Hardoi: 55.29%
Kheri: 62.42%
Lucknow: 55.08%
Pilibhit: 61.33%
Rae Bareli: 58.40%
Sitapur: 58.39%
Unnao: 54.05%
Mayawati 'Praises' Amit Shah Amid Polls
Former Chief Minister Mayawati on Wednesday reacted to Union Home Minister Amit Shah's positive assessment on the leader's campaign, saying that it was his "badappan (magnanimity) that he has acknowledged the truth."
"But I also want to tell him - in the three phases that have taken place in UP, the BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party) has not just received Dalit and Muslim votes but we are also getting upper caste and backward caste votes. I want to tell him that," she added.
49.89% Turnout Till 3:00 pm
A 49.89 percent voter turnout has been recorded till 3:00 pm as voting is underway for the fourth phase of the Uttar Pradesh (UP) Assembly elections.
Here's the district-wise turnout:
Banda: 50.07%
Fatehpur: 52.51%
Hardoi: 46.44%
Kheri: 52.99%
Lucknow: 47.83%
Pilibhit: 54.81%
Rae Bareli: 50.83%
Sitapur: 50.26%
Unnao: 47.31%
PM Modi Addresses Rally in Barabanki
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public meeting for the ongoing UP Assembly elections, in Barabanki.
Urging people to vote, PM Modi said that the elections are essential not only for the development of Uttar Pradesh but also for the country.
"UP might be a total of 7 percent in terms of area but its population comprises over 16% of India's population," he said.
The polling in Barabanki is scheduled for 27 February.
Voting Underway in Unnao
Twin brothers Ashish Tripathi (left) and Manish Tripathi showed their inked fingers as they left a polling station after casting their votes in Unnao for the fourth phase of UP Assembly polls.
A 35.01% turnout was recorded in Unnao till 1 pm.
Congress Candidate and Unnao Rape Survivor's Mother Casts Vote
Asha Singh, Congress candidate and the mother of the girl who was allegedly raped by former BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, cast her vote in Unnao.
"I wan to thank everybody for their support," she told the media.
37.45% Voter Turnout Till 1:00 pm
A 37.45 percent voter turnout has been recorded till 1:00 pm as voting is underway for the fourth phase of the Uttar Pradesh (UP) Assembly elections.
Here's the district-wise turnout:
Banda: 37.60%
Fatehpur: 40.17%
Hardoi: 34.45%
Kheri: 40.97%
Lucknow: 35.09%
Pilibhit: 41.21%
Rae Bareli: 40.14%
Sitapur: 36.84%
Unnao: 35.01%
CM Yogi Has Booked Flight Ticket to Gorakhpur: Akhilesh
While addressing a rally in Bahraich, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav took a jibe at CM Yogi Adityanath, saying that he has booked a flight ticket from Lucknow to Gorakhpur for 11 March.
Priyanka Gandhi Offers Prayers at Lucknow Temple
As voting was underway for the fourth phase of Uttar Pradesh elections, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra offered prayers at Mari Mata Temple in Lucknow.
Uttar Pradesh ADG (Law & Order) Casts Vote
ADG Law & Order Prashant Kumar and his wife ACS Dimple Verma cast their votes.
Anurag Thakur Takes a Dig at Samajwadi Party
Speaking to ANI, Union Minister Anurag Thakur took a dig at the Samajwadi Party, saying that since the first phase, the candidates of the Akhilesh Yadav-led party only includes extortionists and rioters.
Ruckus in Lakhimpur Kheri Voting Booth
Ruckus had erupted at a polling station in Lakhimpur Kheri after Fevikwik was thrown on an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM).
The incident happened in the Kadipur Sani area of Lakhimpur Kheri which is voting in Phase 4 of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly Election 2022.
Voting has resumed after the EVM was replaced following the ruckus.
"We had received a complaint via Twitter that the button of a particular party on an EVM machine was stuck with glue by somebody. The EVM machine was changed immediately. The voting has resumed peacefully and the accused is being thoroughly investigated," SP Kheri said in a video address.
UP Polls Phase 4: Ajay Mishra Teni Casts Vote
Minister of State Home Affairs Ajay Mishra Teni cast his vote in a polling booth in Banbirpur of Lakhimpur Kheri.
Teni's son, Ashsih Mishra, is the prime accused in the murder of four farmers, who were crushed under one of his cars.
Congress had earlier demanded Ajay Mishra's resignation citing potential interference in the case.
Priyanka Gandhi Asks People of UP to Vote 'Responsibly'
Asking people to cast their vote, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi said, "My dear sisters and brothers of UP, there will be lakhs of attempts to divert you from the issues. But if your vote is cast on the issue of employment, livelihood, good education and health, women's empowerment, only then the betterment of Uttar Pradesh is possible. Vote responsibly to take the state on the path of progress."
UP Polls Phase 4: 23% Voter Turnout Recorded Till 11 am
22.62 percent voter turnout has been recorded till 11 am in the fourth phase of the UP Assembly polls on Wednesday.
Banda registered 23.85 percent, Fatehpur 22.49 percent, Hardoi 20.27 percent, Kheri 26.29 percent, Lucknow 21.42 percent, Pilibhit 27.43 percent, Rae Bareli 21.41 percent, Sitapur 21.99 percent and Unnao 21.27 percent.
Visuals From UP Assembly Polls Phase 4
Unnao: A citizen undergoes thermal screening as he arrives at a polling station to cast his vote for the fourth phase of UP Assembly polls.
(Photo: PTI)
Lucknow: People wait in queues at a polling station to cast their votes for the fourth phase of UP Assembly polls.
(Photo: PTI)
Lucknow: A security personnel assists an elderly couple at a polling station, during the fourth phase of UP Assembly polls.
(Photo: PTI)
UP Deputy CM Dinesh Sharma Casts Vote in Lucknow
UP Deputy CM Dinesh Sharma on Wednesday cast his vote at a polling booth in Lucknow.
"After the 4th phase, BJP will hit a double century and will march ahead to break its previous records. Development works done by PM Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath has reached everyone's house," he said, according to ANI.
BJP Leader Sudhanshu Trivedi Casts Vote in Lucknow
BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi casts his vote in Lucknow on Wednesday.
"I appeal to everyone to come out and exercise their franchise. People of UP are well aware and know whom to vote," he said, reported Hindustan Times.
Rajnath Singh Casts Vote in Lucknow
Defence Minister and BJP leader Rajnath Singh on Wednesday cast his vote at a polling booth in Lucknow.
"We will win over 300 seats. SP-BSP made claims in 2017 as well but we formed the government and will repeat the same this time," he said, according to news agency ANI.
Lucknow: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with his family shows his finger marked with indelible ink, after casting his vote at a polling station.
(Photo: PTI)
Visuals From Polling Stations Across Unnao, UP
Unnao: People queue up at a polling station to cast their votes for the fourth phase of UP Assembly polls.
(Photo: PTI)
An elderly woman leaves as other wait in a queue to cast their votes for Assembly elections, at a polling station in Unnao.
(Photo: PTI)
Unnao: A woman shows her inked finger after casting her votes at a polling station, during the 4th phase of UP Assembly polls.
(Photo: PTI)
BJP Candidate From Lucknow Cantonment Brijesh Pathak Casts Vote
UP minister and BJP's candidate from Lucknow Cantonment seat Brijesh Pathak on Wednesday cast his vote and said, "Every section is blessing BJP. We've established rule of law in the state. People are excited to vote for BJP. We will form govt with an majority."
UP Polls Phase 4: 9.10% Voter Turnout Recorded Till 9 am
9.10 percent voter turnout has been recorded till 9 am in the fourth phase of the UP Assembly polls on Wednesday.
Congress Under Test
The Awadh region once used to be a stronghold of the Congress as it includes the Gandhi family bastions of Rae Bareli and Amethi.
In 2009, this is the region that the party gave its strongest performance from.
With Priyanka Gandhi at the helm of the UP campaign, the Congress would hope for a strong performance in this region.
Though some of its candidates like Lalan Kumar in Bakshi Ka Talab have been working hard on the ground, it remains to be seen if the party will be able to win a few seats in this phase.
Both the party's sitting MLAs Aditi Singh and Rakesh Singh have joined the BJP and are contesting on BJP tickets this time.
Pasi Vote Shifting to SP?
One of the factors that the SP alliance seems to be banking on in this phase is the shift of the Pasi Dalit community that is present here in sizable numbers. Last time, the BJP had gained a sizable chunk of the Pasi vote; the BSP's support in this section has been reducing.
The Congress had done decently in this section in 2009.
Unlike Jatav voters who have been stably behind the BSP, Pasi votes in UP have been shifting.
This time, there is some dissatisfaction against the BJP in this section due to a number of economic factors.
Dalit voters account for over 30 percent of the population in Sitapur and Hardoi districts, among the highest in UP.
BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj Casts His Vote in Unnao
BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj cast his vote at Gadan Khera Primary School in Unnao on Wednesday morning.
"BJP will win all six seats in Unnao with majority. On the basis of all the campaigning I did, I can say that CM Yogi will form the government again by breaking his own 2017 record. I think the numbers may go up to 350," he said, according to news agency ANI.
BSP Leader Satish Chandra Misra Casts Vote, Says Party Will Form Govt
BSP leader Satish Chandra Misra on Wednesday cast his vote at a polling booth in Lucknow.
"By the end of this phase, it will be ensured that BSP is forming the government with a full majority. Every section including Brahmins are voting for us," he said, according to news agency ANI.
Voters Garlanded at Polling Station in Fatehpur
UP Minister Mohsin Raza Casts Vote in Gomtinagar
Uttar Pradesh minister Mohsin Raza on Wednesday cast his vote with his wife and son in Gomtinagar.
Battle for Lucknow
The nine seats in Lucknow district will be voting in the fourth phase on 23 February. As with most big cities in UP, the BJP has traditionally been strong in Lucknow as well.
Though the city has a sizable Muslim population, the drawing of constituencies is such that Muslim votes on their own can't ensure the victory of a non-BJP candidate in any seat.
As a result, the BJP may still be in a strong position in the district, though a number of SP candidates like Ravidas Mehrotra may be in competition. The party had won the Mohanlalganj seat last time. The Lucknow West seat is another important prospect for the SP, as it has a sizable Muslim population. But some local resentment against the candidate could be an obstacle for the SP.
SP's Main Support Bases, Favourable Demography for BJP
Most of these districts have a sizable upper-caste and Kurmi population and comparatively lesser Yadavs and Muslims – the main support bases of the SP.
However, the absence of any significant 2017-like polarisation against these communities could enable the SP to make some gains in these areas.
The BJP is also hoping to gain due to the entry of influential leaders, such as Aditi Singh from the Congress in Rae Bareli and Nitin Agrawal from the SP in Hardoi. Read more here.
BJP Candidate Aditi Singh Casts Vote in Raebareli
BJP candidate from Raebareli Sadar seat, Aditi Singh on Wednesday cast her vote at a polling booth in Lalpur Chauhan, Raebareli.
"I want people to vote and make the voting percentage high. Congress is nowhere in the race," she said, according to news agency ANI.
167 Candidates With Criminal Charges & 'Red Alert Constituencies' Blemish the Fourth Phase
A report released by the Association for Democratic Reform (ADR) has revealed that or 21 percent (129) of the 621 candidates contesting in the fourth phase of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections face serious criminal cases, such as rape and murder.
The ADR report, which is based on an analysis of poll affidavits filed by the candidates, found that 27 percent (167) of the candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves.
Of these, 30 belong to the Congress, 26 to the Samajwadi Party, 17 to the BSP, and nine have been fielded by the BJP.
BSP Chief Mayawati Casts Vote
BSP chief Mayawati on Wednesday morning cast her vote at Municipal Nursery School polling booth in Lucknow.
BSP supremo Mayawati gets her finger marked with indelible ink as she prepares to cast her vote, during the fourth phase of UP Assembly elections
(Photo: PTI)
BSP supremo Mayawati shows her inked finger as she leaves after casting her vote, during the fourth phase of UP Assembly elections
(Photo: PTI)
Speaking to reporters, the BSP supremo hit out at the Samajwadi Party for propagating ‘gunda raj’ and ‘mafia raj’ during their tenure in Uttar Pradesh.
She also accused the Akhilesh Yadav-led SP of inciting riots in the state.
She further added that the Muslim community is unhappy with the work of SP for minorities and they will not vote for Akhilesh.
“People of Uttar Pradesh have rejected SP even before polls as voting for SP means Gunda raj, Mafia raj. Riots happened in the SP govt. The faces of SP leaders tell that they are not coming in power,” she was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
UP Polls Phase 4: PM Modi, Amit Shah Urge Voters To Come Out
As polling began on Wednesday, PM Modi took to Twitter to urge all voters "to use their precious votes to contribute to strengthening democracy".
Home Minister Amit Shah also appealed to voters to cast their votes.
UP Polls Phase 4: Voting Begins
Voting began for the fourth phase of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, at 7 am on Wednesday.
Voting to Begin for Phase 4 UP Elections
Voting will begun for the fourth phase of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, at 7 am on Wednesday.
Some Key Constituencies & Candidates
Here's a look at the most notable candidates and the focal constituencies for the fourth phase.
Lakhimpur: A large population of farmers and Sikhs resides in this constituency, which became the hotbed of conflict in October last year after Union Minister Ajay Mishra's son allegedly ran over four farmers with his car in the area. Lakhimpur had been under the hold of the SP from 1996-2012, when sitting BJP MLA and party nominee for the seat Yogesh Verma had been elected.
Lucknow Central: A grand seat in UP's capital city, this Assembly constituency will witness a tough contest between the BJP and the SP. UP Minister Brajesh Pathak, the incumbent MLA for this seat, had defeated SP's Ravidas Mehrotra by a small margin of 5,094 votes in 2017.
Sitapur: This seat is a former bastion of the SP, which had been wrested from its 20-year-long hold by the BJP in 2017. Rakesh Rathore 'Guru' of the BJP had ousted SP stalwart Radhey Shyam Jaiswal, who had been elected to the seat four times since 1996. The seat will host a close battle between the two again in the 2022 Assembly elections.
Rae Bareli: A Congress stronghold for the most part of the last five decades, this high-profile constituency had been won by Aditi Singh, who recently defected from the INC to the BJP. Her father, Akhilesh Singh, had served as the MLA for Rae Bareli seat since 1993. The party has now fielded a well-known local doctor Manish Singh Chauhan, who will compete against BJP's Aditi Singh.
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