Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections 2017: PM Narendra Modi appeals to voters to participate largely in festival of democracy

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday appealed to the voters to participate and come forward in large numbers to cast their votes.

The third phase of Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections began on Sunday morning.

"Today is the third phase of Uttar Pradesh elections. I request the voters to participate in the festival of democracy and vote in large number," Prime Minister Modi tweeted.

उत्तर प्रदेश में आज तीसरे चरण का मतदान है।मेरा अनुरोध है कि सभी मतदाता लोकतंत्र के इस उत्सव में हिस्सा लें और भारी मतदान करें।

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 19, 2017

Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections 2017

With over 826 candidates from 105 political parties contesting for 69 seats, polling began on Sunday morning for the crucial third phase of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections.

The polling began at 7 a.m. and will continue till 5 in the evening. 

Polling parties have been sent to polling centers amid tight security.

The districts going for polling in this phase are Farrukhabad, Hardoi, Kannauj, Mainpuri, Etawah, Kanpur, Kanpur Dehat, Auraiya, Lucknow, Unnao, Sitapur and Barabanki.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made for the smooth functioning of the polling process.

Borders of districts have been put under surveillance and heavy deployment of forces for round the clock checking is made.