Voting in Uttar Pradesh: Over 34 Lakh Voters to Decide the Fate of 90 Candidates; Long Queues Seen in Karhal
Lucknow: Voting has commenced for by-elections in nine assembly constituencies across Uttar Pradesh. Enthusiastic voters were seen lining up at polling stations early in the morning, with reports of a peaceful atmosphere so far.
In Karhal constituency, long queues have been observed, where a high-stakes contest is taking place between the son-in-law and nephew of Mulayam Singh Yadav. The Samajwadi Party has set up a helpline for its workers to ensure smooth operations. Voting is being conducted at 1,917 polling centers across 3,718 polling stations, out of which 1,237 are classified as sensitive.
Key Highlights of the By-Elections
A total of 34,35,974 voters will determine the fate of 90 candidates, including 11 women contenders.
The constituencies have 18,46,846 male voters, 15,88,967 female voters, and 161 third-gender voters.
Ghaziabad has the highest number of voters, while Sisamau has the least.
The highest number of candidates (14) are contesting from Ghaziabad, while Khair (SC) and Sisamau have the least, with 5 candidates each.
Constituency-wise Voter and Candidate Data
Mirapur: 3,24,571 voters; 11 candidates; 328 polling stations.
Kundarki: 3,84,673 voters; 12 candidates; 436 polling stations.
Ghaziabad: 4,61,644 voters; 14 candidates; 507 polling stations.
Khair (SC): 4,02,819 voters; 5 candidates; 426 polling stations.
Karhal: 3,82,483 voters; 7 candidates; 444 polling stations.
Sisamau: 2,71,042 voters; 5 candidates; 275 polling stations.
Phulpur: 4,07,944 voters; 12 candidates; 435 polling stations.
Katehri: 4,01,165 voters; 11 candidates; 425 polling stations.
Majhwa: 3,99,633 voters; 13 candidates; 442 polling stations.
Election Oversight and Security
To ensure fair and smooth voting, the Election Commission has deployed:
9 general observers, 5 police observers, and 9 expenditure observers.
350 sector magistrates, 56 zonal magistrates, 60 static magistrates, and 745 micro-observers are also on duty.
Seized Items
Between October 16 and November 18, authorities seized illicit items worth ₹6.73 crore, including cash, liquor, and drugs, to curb malpractices.
The voting process is being closely monitored to maintain transparency and fairness across all constituencies.