Stage set for first phase of elections in Uttar Pradesh

The stage is set for the first phase of polling in India's high-stake northern Uttar Pradesh state today.

The election process will be held in 73 assembly constituencies spread across 15 districts of the state.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made for smooth polling, especially in sensitive areas of Shamli, Aligarh, Muzaffarnagar, Mathura, Bulandshahr and Agra.

A polling official, Mohan Kumar, said paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has been deployed at polling booths.

"Vehicles have been arranged for polling officials. They will be sent through buses. Heavy security arrangements have been made to ensure polling officials reaches their respective booths on time," said Kumar.

A polling official in Agra said they are expecting to conduct fair polls.

"We have made all arrangements. All aspects regarding security have been kept in mind. Forces have been deployed at all polling booths. We expect to conduct fair elections," said another polling official, Pramod Kumar.

The electoral battle in the state has grabbed all eyeballs, be it the electoral merger between the Congress and the Samajwadi Party or the infighting within the first family of this politically crucial state.

With the Congress and the Samajwadi Party formally sealing the alliance, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) made efforts to seal deal with other smaller parties to ensure it achieves the mandate.

Voting in Uttar Pradesh will be done in seven phases - February 11, 15, 19, 23, 27, March 4 and 8. The counting of votes will take place on March 11.