UP elections 2017: Over 44% turnout till 2 pm, polling peaceful

Over 44% votes were cast till 2.00 pm  on Sunday in the 69 Assembly constituencies, considered ruling Samajwadi Party stronghold, which figure in phase-III of Uttar Pradesh elections. "Till 1400 hours, the turnout was over 44%," a spokesman of UP Chief Electoral Officer said.

Polling was going on peacefully in these areas, he said. Besides BSP supremo Mayawati, Home Minister Rajnath Singh with his family cast their votes in Lucknow while Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav voted in Saifai (Etawah).

Polling began slowly but gathered pace later. At some polling booths there were reports of minor skirmishes between supporters of the candidates.

In the 2012 Assembly polls, SP had won 55 of these 69 seats, while BSP, BJP and Congress secured just six, five and two respectively. One seat went to an Independent.

The fate of 826 candidates in this phase will be decided by 2.41 crore voters, including 1.10 crore women and 1,026 persons belonging to third gender category.