Lucknow: Amidst tight security, the stage
is set for tomorrow's by-elections to four assembly seats in
Uttar Pradesh, the first test of popularity for political
parties in the state after the Lok Sabha polls.
An estimated 11 lakh voters are likely to exercise their
franchise to decide the political fate of 58 aspirants vying
for Moradabad West, Malihabad, Bidhuna and Morena assembly
seats.
All major political parties including the Congress, the
ruling BSP, the Samajwadi Party and the BJP-RLD combine have
put up candidates for the four seats.
The by-polls are seen as the first test popularity for
political parties after the April-May Lok Sabha elections
which saw the SP bagging 22 seats, the Congress 21, the BSP
20, the BJP 10 and Ajit Singh-led RLD five in the state.
Elaborate security arrangements have been made for the
by-polls with respective district administrations deploying
adequate police and PAC personnel to ensure peaceful polling.
A maximum of 18 candidates are in fray for the Moradabad
West seat, 16 for Morena, 13 for Malihabad and 11 for Bidhuna.
Senior leaders of major political parties extensively
toured the constituencies wooing voters for their nominees.
Counting of votes will take place on August 21.
Bureau Report
First Published: Monday, August 17, 2009, 21:30