Into 3rd phase, over 6,50,000 model code violations

With the seven-phase Uttar Pradesh Assembly poll proceeding with record voting percentage, the Election Commi-ssion (EC) has so far taken cognisance of over 6,50,000 lakh model code of conduct violations.

These violations pertain to wall writing, loudspeakers, canvassing material such as posters, banners, flags, misusing beacon-fitted vehicles and distribution of cash/gifts to influence voters. About 3,050 first information reports (FIRs) have been lodged in these cases, of which violations pertaining to misusing beacon/flag bearing vehicles alone accounted for about 2,000 FIRs.

The first two phases of UP poll on February 8 and 11 had recorded 62 per cent and 59 per cent voting respectively, which bettered the earlier highest voting percentage of 57 per cent in the 1993 Assembly poll.

The 2007 Assembly poll, which witnessed chief minister Mayawati’s Bahujan Samaj Party coast to victory with majority in the 403-member UP Vidhan Sabha, had recorded around 47 per cent voting.

Meanwhile, 11,306 illicit arms units had been busted in UP and 4,600 illicit arms and 7,000 cartridges recovered under the intense drive to ensuring peaceful election. About 4,70,000 lakh licensed arms had either been deposited with authorities or their licenses cancelled. Non bailable warrants have been issued against 21,500 persons. The excise department has confiscated about 2.6 lakh litres of illicit liquor, including Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL), hooch and beer. The authorities had seized Rs 34 crore in cash since the poll dates were announced by the EC. UP would witness polling in 7 phases viz. February 8, 11, 15, 19, 23, 28 and March 3. Yesterday's voting was held in 59 constituencies across nine districts of eastern UP viz. Sant Kabirnagar, Maharajganj, Gorakhpur, Kushinagar, Deoria, Azamgarh, Mau, Ballia and Ghazipur. In 2007 poll, BSP had won the maximum 31 seats in these constituencies, followed by Samajwadi Party 18, Bharatiya Janata Party 7, Congress 1 and Independents 2.