As the Lok Sabha elections 2024 progress, Uttar Pradesh witnesses a significant voter turnout, reaching 39.68% by 1 PM in the 13 constituencies currently under polling in the state. The Election Commission (EC) reported the polling figures, highlighting the democratic fervor among the electorate.
Polling began promptly at 7 am and is set to conclude at 6 pm, marking an important phase in the seven-phase general elections. Among the constituencies, Akbarpur, Bahraich, Dhaurahra, Etawah, Farrukhabad, Hardoi, Kannauj, Kanpur, Kheri, Misrikh, Shahjahanpur, Sitapur, and Unnao have been actively participating in the electoral process.
This phase is particularly watched for seats like Kannauj, where Samajwadi Party (SP) president Akhilesh Yadav seeks re-election, and Kheri, where Union Minister Ajay Mishra Teni aims for a hat-trick despite controversies surrounding his son’s involvement in the 2021 Lakhimpur Kheri violence case.
With 130 candidates vying for these parliamentary seats, the political landscape is diverse and competitive. Additionally, a bypoll for the Dadraul assembly constituency in Shahjahanpur district is being held due to the demise of BJP MLA Manvendra Singh. Ten candidates are contesting in Dadraul, which recorded 38.45% polling by 1 PM.
The elections have seen diverse participation, with reports of the first vote cast by a physically-challenged voter in Bahraich. District Magistrate Monica Rani highlighted the inclusive nature of the polling, mentioning the active participation of Tharu tribe members and transgender individuals.
Despite challenges such as rains in Lakhimpur Kheri and reports of poll boycott in some villages like Aurangabad over developmental issues, voters have been turning up at polling booths to exercise their franchise.
In this phase, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has re-nominated 11 sitting MPs out of 13, reflecting its confidence in incumbency. Notable candidates include Ramesh Awasthi from Kanpur and Anand Kumar from Bahraich-SC seat. The SP, part of the INDIA bloc, has fielded candidates in 11 Lok Sabha seats, while Congress candidates contest on two seats, Kanpur and Sitapur.
Several BJP candidates eye a consecutive term, including Ajay Mishra (Kheri), Rekha Verma (Dhaurahra), Mukesh Rajput (Farrukhabad), and Devendra Singh alias Bhole (Akbarpur). Moreover, candidates like Rajesh Verma (Sitapur), Ashok Kumar Rawat (Misrikh-SC), and Ram Shankar Katheria (Etawah-SC) seek re-election for multiple terms, showcasing the party’s stronghold in these regions.
The electoral phase in Uttar Pradesh encompasses more than 2.46 crore eligible voters, reflecting the magnitude of democratic engagement and the importance of these elections in shaping the political trajectory of the state and the nation at large.
