Sporadic violence, moderate turnout in UP local bodies polls

Lucknow, Oct 28 (UNI) A moderate 32 per cent voter turnout was reported during the first phase of three-tier urban local bodies elections in Uttar Pradesh today.

Barring a few incidents of violence, the election process was by and large peaceful.

The Aliganj area of Etah district witnessed violence when a clash between two groups left at least three people injured, including a police circle officer (CO). Sources said the district BJP president, along with one of his supporters was injured also in the clash.

Police opened fire in air to disperse the mob after it torched two police vehicles.

Police sources here said the clash broke out between the ruling Samajwadi Party and BJP supporters over forceful voting by a candidate of the ruling party.

A report from Siddharthnagar said election to elect members of the Nagar mahapalika was cancelled in the Shekh Nagar Ward today as the ballot paper did not carry the poll symbol of one of the contestants. The election would be held on November 3 now.

In Pratapgarh district, 26 fake voters, including 9 women were arrested in the Kotwali police station area. A case has been registered against them.

A sub-inspector in charge of police election cell of Siddharthnagar district was suspended as he failed to prepare identity cards for cops to be deployed on poll duty. Rajesh Kumar Dwivedi was suspended yesterday by the district police chief.

Meanwhile, polling for 167 Nagar Palika Parishad(NPP) to elect over 4425 ward members was under way peacefully since 0800 hours.

Over 9 million electorate would exercise their franchise in 9,758 booths in the first phase of elections in 56 districts.

Altogether 30 companies of central forces accompanied by over 100 companies of PAC and 85,000 home guards along with district police would ensure free and fair polling which has been termed as a semi-final for all political parties before the much important assembly elections early next year.

The SEC had already banned entry of all ministers, Members of Parliament and legislators in their respective constituencies in order to conduct free and fair polls.

In its directive issued to all district authorities, the SEC has asked them to ensure that no minister, MP and legislator was allowed to stay in his respective constitutency or home district after the end of the campaign deadline.

The order would also effective for former ministers, MPs and legislators also.

Polling in NPP in 14 districts would be held along with second phase due to 'Chhath' festival.

Election for the Nagar Nigam would be held on October 31 and for Nagar Panchayat (town area) on November 3. Counting of votes for all the phases would be held on November 6.

UNI TEAM-NAB PA BD1531