Nearly 2.6 crore people, including 1.17 crore women, across 15 districts voted for 839 candidates contested on 73 of the 403 seats in the first phase of polling. Photo: AFPNew Delhi: Uttar Pradesh registered a voter turnout of 63% in the first phase of polling for 73 constituencies of western UP on Saturday, according to the Election Commission. The polling saw an increase from the 2012 assembly elections, where a 61% turnout was registered in the first phase. Former chief minister Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is also a key player in the three-cornered electoral fight. 24 each, followed by the BJP at 11, RLD at 9 and the Congress finishing last with five seats out of the 73 seats in this area.

Source: Mint February 11, 2017 02:47 UTC