Election Commission applauds UP for free, fair and peaceful polls

The Election Commission on Wednesday applauded all the segments, including voters, political parties, media, partnering organisations and all the staff for leading a free, fair and inclusive second phase of Uttar Pradesh Assembly Elections.

"We would like to compliment all the voters of this phase because they showed exemplary commitment for the maintenance of public peace, law and order," said Deputy Election Commissioner Vijay Kumar Dev while addressing a press conference.

"We would also like to thank all the political parties, media and our partnering organisations which collaborated with us and made the elections not only free, fair and inclusive, but also transformed it into a festival of democracy," he added.

"However, cash worth Rs. 16.52 crore, 3.29 lakh litre liquor, 1.9 kg gold and drugs worth Rs. 1.16 crore were seized," the Deputy Election Commissioner said.

The poll panel expressed hope to conduct the upcoming phases in the same peaceful and fair manner.

Total electorate strength for this phase was 2,28,96,627.

A total of 721 candidates were in fray, including 82 women candidates and one transgender from Lakhimpur district.

Voter turnout was recorded to be 65.5 percent till 5 p.m.