Lucknow: The high voltage campaigning for the fifth phase of Uttar Pradesh state Assembly elections scheduled for February 23 came to an end on Tuesday.

The fifth phase polling, which is expected to be participated by an estimated 1.56 crore voters in 49 constituencies spread over 13 districts, will decide the fate of several stalwarts including firebrand BJP leader Uma Bharti and Leader of Opposition in Vidhan Sabha Shivpal Singh Yadav.

The constituencies going to polls are spread across Firozabad, Kanshiram Nagar, Etah, Mainpuri, Etawah, Auraiya, Ramabainagar, Kanpur, Jalaun, Jhansi, Lalitpur, Hamirpur and Mahoba districts.

"More than 1.56 crore voters, are expected to cast their votes at 17267 polling stations," joint chief electoral officer Anita Meshram said, adding that a total of 829 candidates, including 741 men, 87 women, are in the fray in this phase.

Nineteen Assembly constituencies have more than 16 candidates in the fray.

"All preparations have been made to ensure free and fair elections with adequate force, including central forces, being deployed," she said.

Repoll on a polling station (190 Primary School Bhagiratpur) of Tiloi constituency will be held tomorrow as there were complaints about the working of EVMs, she added.

PTI