Massive security in place to ensure free and fair polls in 18,083 polling stations in Eastern Uttar Pradesh. Sharat Pradhan reports from Lucknow.
As many as 17 million (1.71 crore) voters will cast their vote to elect 55 candidates out of the 862 nominees in the fray for the opening round of the five-phased Uttar Pradesh state assembly election on Wednesday.
A giant police force of over 1,10,000, including about 55,000 central para-military personnel and about 10,000 men of the Provincial Armed Constabulary have been deployed to maintain law and order, and to ensure a free and fair poll at 18,083 polling stations spread across one part of Eastern UP.
According to state Chief Electoral Officer Umesh Sinha, "The candidates include 796 men and 65 women, besides a eunuch, who was in the fray from Ayodhya."
However, the gender ratio of voters was relatively more balanced with about 93.36 lakh males and 79.04 lakh females, Sinha said.
Interestingly, Barabanki has the highest number of candidates - 26, while Mehmoodabad has the least, with just 8 candidates. "There are 10 constituencies where the number of candidates is more than 16, thereby necessitating the use of more than one electronic voting machine (EVM)," Sinha said.
He described 2,123 polling stations as "sensitive" and 3,423 as "huger-sensitive".
"With a view to facilitate easy voting, voters have been entitled to carry as many as 14 alternatives in case they do not have the election commission voters card, provided their name is listed in the voters' list," said Sinha.
With a view to keeping a strict vigil on people violating the stringent poll laws, 890 video cameras will be used, besides 1,776 digital cameras to capture any untoward activity.
According to the CEO, "Other than 55 general observers, there will be 43 financial observers to keep tab on expenditure by the candidates and seven police observers to watch check law and order. A team of 2,289 micro observers will monitor every polling centre."
