Uttar Pradesh first phase polling as it happened: Polling closes in western UP, around 63% voter turnout recorded

Voting for the seventh and final phase in Uttar Pradesh ends

56 percent voting till 4 pm in UP phase 7 polls

Around 56 per cent of the 1.41 crore voters exercised their franchise till 4 PM today in the seventh and last phase of Uttar Pradesh elections covering 40 Assembly seats spread over seven districts. Assembly constituencies in Varanasi saw 45 percent polling while the Naxal-hit Mirzapur had 47.50 percent polling till 4 pm, it said. PTI

Over 41 percent voting till 2 pm in UP phase seven polls

Over 41 per cent votes were polled till 2 pm on Wednesday in the seventh and last phase of Uttar Pradesh elections covering 40 Assembly seats spread over seven districts.

Meanwhile… PM Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah offered prayers at Somnath temple

As the massive polling exercise across five states draws towards its end, PM Modi and Amit Shah were seen offering prayers at the Somnath temple in Gujarat. 

After concluding the high-decibel canvassing in all states, especially UP, looks like the BJP top-brass is now pleasing gods for their efforts to pay off.

PM Shri @narendramodi and BJP National President Shri @AmitShah offer prayers at Somnath Temple in Gujarat. pic.twitter.com/lDgOviGtWy

— BJP (@BJP4India) March 8, 2017

Modi’s blatant Hindutva pitch after the third phase

In the past couple of weeks, the prime minister’s attitude and his speech strategy at rallies has changed unmistakably. Starting his speeches with the archetypal mitron, which Modi says with a smile, the prime minister’s rally speeches suddenly found more of communal undertones and less of the various benefits of demonetisation.

When Modi kick started his campaign in the state on 2 January with his Parivartan rally in Lucknow, the BJP was focussing on appeasing farmers, planning to announce some pro-poor schemes and focus on the many benefits of the 8 November, 2016 decision to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes. The party planned to dedicate the campaigning on making sure that the demonetisation drive was used to its fullest. The second poll issue that Modi wanted to hammer home was development. Modi stayed clear of any communal references in his speech. Until that infamous ‘kabristan’ speech.

The prime minister was criticised for playing the Hindutva card. Interestingly, the time when Modi made the graveyard comment, three phases of polling were already done. Ground reports did not give any political party a clear lead and analysts said that the shift from development plank to communal plank was party’s strategy to engineer counter-polarisation sentiments by whipping up apprehensions about the Samajwadi Party’s pro-minority image.

Women vote in large numbers

Aware that it was International Women’s Day on the day of polling, most women told the waiting media outside the polling booths that they were voting to ensure safety and security for women and girls. Professors and members from the teaching fraternity turned up in large numbers to cast their votes in the early hours in the Benaras Hindu University (BHU). 

Ajay Rai, the Congress candidate from Pindra, also cast his vote along with his wife. He first performed puja at a temple before heading for the polling station. Rai had unsuccessfully challenged Narendra Modi in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections.

Farmers in Mirzapur’s Chunar region boycott elections over lack of irrigation facilities

Farmers boycotted voting in Mirzapur’s Chunar assembly segment alleging lack of irrigation facilities & development.

Mirzapur: Farmers boycott voting at polling booth number 283 of Chunar assembly segment alleging lack of irrigation facilities & development pic.twitter.com/jQvik9PX5t

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 8, 2017

From ‘bahu ji’ to SP star campaigner: The metamorphosis of Dimple Yadav

The reticent and soft-spoken bahu (daughter-in-law) of the first family of the ruling Samajwadi Party in UP, Dimple Yadav, has finally found her groove, emerging as a major crowd puller in election rallies all over the state.

From the fumbling leader who repeatedly corrected herself while going through her written speeches, the new Dimple – the star campaigner – has learnt how to
keep the audience especially the youth involved and impress them.

PTI

Over 26 percent voting till 12 noon in last phase of UP polls

Over 26 per cent votes were polled till noon for the seventh and last phase of Uttar Pradesh elections. Polling started amidst tight security arrangements this
morning with all eyes on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi.

Varanasi saw 23.76 percent polling, while the Naxal infested Mirzapur had 26.63 per cent polling till 11 am.

PTI

Narendra Modi made UP Assembly polls a referendum on himself, but at what cost?

A glance at news headlines will give to the uninitiated viewer an impression that this isn’t a race for Assembly seats at all, but presidential polls with Modi pitted against a battery of rivals. Therefore, it is pertinent to explore how and why UP Assembly election has become a de facto referendum on Modi, a prime minister who obviously can’t be a chief ministerial candidate.

However, his unprecedented involvement in the campaign for state polls not only ensured that Modi remains the central figure in any narrative, but it pitted Mayawati and Akhilesh against him, instead of  weaker BJP candidates.

PM Modi urges people to turn out and cast their votes

Urging all those voting today, in the 2nd phase of the Manipur Assembly Elections to turnout in large numbers & vote.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 8, 2017

उत्तर प्रदेश में आज आखिरी चरण का मतदान है। मेरा निवेदन है कि आप अपना कीमती वोट अवश्य दें। पहले मतदान, फिर जलपान!

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 8, 2017

Uttar Pradesh has had hung Assembly for 14 years, but trends changed in 2007

Voters threw hung houses in the state for 14 years and that trend changed from 2007 when people decided to deliver a clear mandate. This time, with no clear wave in favour of any party and each of the key players claiming to get over 300 of the 403 seats at stake, party insiders say the outcome is unlikely to go in one direction.

Increasingly seen as the ‘bellwether’ for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the results will not only decide as to who will rule UP but show which way the wind is blowing ahead of the Lok Sabha elections two years hence.

Uttar Pradesh has had hung Assembly for 14 years, and trend changed in 2007

Voters threw hung Houses in the state for 14 years and that trend changed from 2007 when people decided to deliver a clear mandate. This time, with no clear wave in favour of any party and each of the key players claiming to get over 300 of the 403 seats at stake, party insiders say the outcome is unlikely to go in one direction.

Increasingly seen as the ‘bellwether’ for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the results will not only decide as to who will rule UP but show which way the wind is blowing ahead of the Lok Sabha elections two years hence.

Spectre of hung Assembly looms over UP

The iconic dialogue — picture abhi baaki hai mere dost — could well describe the current poll scenario in Uttar Pradesh where a hung Assembly is a possibility. Even before the election results are declared on March 11, party insiders do not discount chances of a fractured verdict after the seven phases of polling that will come to an end today in the absence of any wave.

After all the key players talked about notching up 300 plus of the 403 seats, talks of a hung house suddenly gained momentum in the last phases of polling with Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself flagging the possibility of a hung assembly in the state. To win 202 or 50 percent seats this year, a party will need to get 35 percent of the vote share. Five years ago, the Samajwadi Party had needed just 29 percent of the vote share to win 226 seats.

Mayawati’s BSP had won only 80 seats with 26 percent votes. The two regional heavyweights saw a steep fall two years later, with the BJP and its ally Apna Dal sweeping the 2014 general election, winning 73 of UP’s 80 seats with 42 per cent of the vote share.

The BJP can afford to lose 7 percent of its vote share from 2014 to still win this year, while SP-Congress must gain 6 percent to reach 35 percent, and BSP will have to stretch about 15 percent to win.

Over 13 percent voting till 10 AM in last phase of UP polls

Over 13 per cent votes were polled in the first three hours of the seventh and last phase of UP elections. Three Naxal-affected districts of Sonbhadra, Mirzapur and Chandauli, along with the five Assembly segments under Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency, will be in prime focus.

PTI

Veteran BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi casts his vote from Varanasi North constituency

BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi casts his vote at booth number 76 of Varanasi North. pic.twitter.com/KSQtloFFfn

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 8, 2017

BSP banking on Muktar Ansari’s appeal

The BSP is banking heavily on the appeal of Mukhtar Ansari and his family. The region is home to hundreds of thousands of weavers, many of whom are Muslims. BSP chief Mayawati speaks of a groundswell in her party’s favour. 

“People have tried and tested both Narendra Modi and Akhilesh Yadav and there is nothing but disappointment. Purvanchal, like other parts of the state, is looking to the BSP for good governance,” the Dalit leader told IANS.

Most of SP’s powerful leaders were expelled in Purvanchal region

The Samajwadi Party expelled most of its powerful Purvanchal leaders after an internal party feud involving Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and his estranged uncle Shivpal Singh. Senior cabinet minister and Akhilesh Yadav aide Rajendra Chowdhary said the region has always stood by the Samajwadi Party.

Litmus test for BJP stalwarts in Purvanchal

In Purvanchal, poverty is a dominant theme. In his speeches, Modi spoke a lot on joblessness and poverty. The BJP did not win even a single seat in five of the districts in 2012. The last phase of election is a litmus test for BJP stalwarts. 

Former chief minister and current Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh comes from Chandauli. Mahendranath Pandey, an MP, is a member in the Modi government. Ghazipur MP Manoj Sinha is Minister of State for Railways. Apna Dal leader Anupriya Patel, a BJP ally, has a lot at stake too. Her parliamentary constituency Mirzapur goes to polls on Wednesday. BJP leader Vijay Bahadur Pathak says the party was confident of doing “exceedingly well” in Purvanchal. “We have performed beyond our expectations in the last six phases. We are sure of getting maximum seats in the final phase,” Pathak told IANS.

Akhilesh addressed the most number of rallies

With 211 rallies in just 36 days, Akhilesh became the leader who addressd the most number of rallies in Uttar Pradesh. A highly-charged final phase of campaigning for the Uttar Pradesh polls culminated on Monday with shows of strength by the BJP, the Samajwadi Party-Congress combine and the Bahujan Samaj Party in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Varanasi constituency, where he camped for three days.

Around 40 seats spread over seven eastern districts, including five in Varanasi, go to the polls on Wednesday, bringing the curtains down on the two month-long exercise staggered over seven phases. Predictions aside and in the run-up to 11 March, analysis of the high-octane campaigning in Uttar Pradesh throws up some interesting trends. Number game aside, the tone and texture of the speeches delivered by the major players in Uttar Pradesh gives us an insight of what the political parties might be expecting as the verdict day closes in.

Onus on Samajwadi Party, but lot at stake for BJP and BSP

Around 1.41 crore voters are eligible to take part in the balloting in the sprawling region that includes Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Lok Sabha constituency. While the onus is on the ruling Samajwadi Party to retain the 24 of the 40 seats it won in 2012, a lot is also at stake for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Modi himself as the party swept the Poorvanchal in the 2014 Lok Sabha battle.

The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), trying hard to regain power in the country’s most populous state, has put in all its might to add to its 2012 tally of five seats. The Congress, now a Samajwadi ally, won three seats in 2012, the Quami Ekta Dal one and three independents too made it to the outgoing assembly.

10.43% voting recorded till 9 am

10.43% voting recorded till 9 am in the 7th phase of UP elections 2017. pic.twitter.com/06tRK9dir6

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 8, 2017

Three persons apprehended from Kanpur

Three persons have been apprehended from Kanpur and nearby area: DGP UP Javeed Ahmad #LucknowTerrorOp pic.twitter.com/qWx10ZJSbc

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 8, 2017

Prominent candidates of final phase

Prominent candidates who are in fray include former Cabinet minister Om Prakash, Parasnath Yadav, Ajay Rai, former MP Dhananjay Singh, Sigbatullah Ansari brother of Mukhtar Ansari and Seema Singh wife of jailed mafia Munna Bajrangi.

A total of 1.41 crore voters, including 64.76 lakh women, are eligible to exercise their franchise in 14,458 polling booths and 8,682 polling centres to decide fate of 585 candidates, including 51 women.

Three Naxal-affected districts of Sonbhadra, Mirzapur and Chandauli, along with the five Assembly segments under Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency, will be in prime focus. — PTI

Visual from the room in Thakurganj where ISIS Khorasan module terrorist had locked himself, #LucknowTerrorOp lasted for nearly 10 hrs pic.twitter.com/B8KqvZhquO

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 8, 2017

Weapons recovered after Lucknow encounter

Thakurganj: Pistol, revolver, ammunition, knife recovered among other things from the killed ISIS Khorasan module terrorist #LucknowTerrorOp pic.twitter.com/Zek26wJAUz

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 8, 2017

EC prohibits exit polls in UP till 9 March

The Election Commission (EC) has prohibited exit polls for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections till 5.30 pm on 9 March following the death of the Samajwadi Party candidate for the Alapur seat, in the wake of which polling, originally scheduled for 27 February, has been pushed back to Thursday, an official said.

State Chief Electoral Officer T Venkatesh said on Monday that if any media organisation published or broadcast exit polls before the stipulated deadline it would be treated as violation of the Model Code of Conduct and strictly dealt with.

The earlier deadline of the exit polls was 30 minutes after the conclusion of the staggered seven-phase polls on 8 March.

Exit poll 5.31 pm from tomorrow.. https://t.co/eOyiTejAdF

— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) March 8, 2017

Islamic State suspect gunned down in Lucknow after 11-hour operation

A suspected Islamic State operative was killed here in the wee hours of Wednesday after a 11-hour-long anti-terror operation conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Police’s Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) commandos. Many efforts to persuade the suspect, who was holed up in a house in Haji colony of Thakurganj area, to surrender went in vain, an official said.

After the initial exchange for fire, the ATS commandos lobbed chilly bombs inside the house to incapacitate him, but to no avail. Police teams bore a hole in the roof and blew up the back wall of the building to enter the house. Senior police officials were camping at the site to oversee the operation, which was also being monitored by the Union Home Ministry.

People cast their vote at polling booth 127 in Mohammadabad, Mukhtar Ansari's brother Sibakatullah contesting from the seat as BSP candidate pic.twitter.com/nZsQIXeGhf

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 8, 2017

People queue up at polling booth no. 68 in Varanasi North; BJP's Ravindra Jaiswal, BSP's Sujit Kumar Maurya contesting from the seat pic.twitter.com/RYZQtr4NNV

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 8, 2017

#TopStory Final phase polling to conclude assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh and Manipur covering 40 and 22 constituencies respectively. pic.twitter.com/kJmai5ed2R

— ANI (@ANI) March 8, 2017

#UPPolls2017: Voters queue up at polling booths 176,177,178 in Mirzapur to cast their vote in the last phase of Uttar Pradesh elections pic.twitter.com/ZfnHZPGBsh

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 8, 2017

40 seats in seven eastern districts

A highly-charged final phase of campaigning for the Uttar Pradesh polls culminated on Monday with the show of strength by the BJP, the SP-Congress combine and the BSP in PM Narendra Modi’s Varanasi constituency taking centre stage where he camped for three days. 

Around 40 seats spread over seven eastern districts, including five in Varanasi, will go to polls on 8 March, bringing curtains down on the two month-long exercise staggered in seven phases.

As many as 8,682 polling stations with 14,458 polling booths have been set up. 

Polling will continue till 5 pm in 37 constituencies, whereas in Robertsganj, Duddhi in Sonebhadra district and Chakia segment in Chandauli will end by 4 pm, an Election Commission official said.

In last phase, 1.41 crore are casting their votes

Over 1.41 crore voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in the seventh and last phase of the assembly elections, including 76.87 lakh men and 64.99 lakh women. A total of 706 voters are of the third gender.

8th and final phase: 535 candidates, including 51 women, in fray

Polling began in 40 Uttar Pradesh assembly segments at 7 am on Wednesday, officials said.

A total of 535 candidates, including 51 women, are in fray for these assembly seats spread across seven districts of eastern Uttar Pradesh, known as Poorvanchal.

Dimple Yadav takes a jibe at Modi’s ‘karnama’ statement

Piyush Goyalji gaye press conference karne aur hotel ki bijli khud hi gol kardi, isko kaarnaama kehte hain: Dimple Yadav in Bhadohi pic.twitter.com/kwL2vX72Jo

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 6, 2017

BSP supremo Mayawati slams BJP

Inka sapna tha ki UP mein BJP purna bahumat ki sarkar banayegi aur phir isi ko 2019 Loksabha mudda bana ke desh bhar mein jaayegi: Mayawati pic.twitter.com/RctNq5ImKF

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 6, 2017

Do din pehle roadshow hua usse baat nahi bani, phir kal roadshow hua usse bhi baat nahi bani,aaj sun rahe hain Modiji pedal ja rahe hain:RG pic.twitter.com/OF4LAGQwTm

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 6, 2017

Rahul Gandhi takes a jibe at Modi’s Varanasi road shows

Banaras mein Modiji ki picture ka bar bar retake ho raha hai,4 din mein Modiji ne 4 baar retake liya magar baat nahi ban rahi: Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/SfahYDXzed

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 6, 2017

Modi slams SP govt for mafia raj

Targeting the SP government of poor law and order, Narendra Modi slammed Akhilesh Yadav of turning the police force into its personal fiefdom. Modi promised to bring back law and order and end mafia-raj in the state if voted to power.

UP government is anti-farmer. Why they don't help farmers in distress: PM Modi at a rally in Rohaniya, Uttar Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/1eDa0qOnkj

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 6, 2017

UP govt only concerned about vote bank and not farmers

Prime Minister Modi said that while other states had implemented the PM Fasal Beema Yojna, the Uttar Pradesh government did not implement the scheme as it is only interested in building vote bank and not in any development activities.

Modi talks about his various policies for farmers

Addressing a rally in Rohaniya, Modi spoke of helping farmers procure water and urea for their farming activities. Talking about the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojna, he added that his policy has helped farmer hedge their losses due to untoward incidents.

Modi plays farmer card in Rohaniya 

Talking about doubling farmer incomes by 2022 and his government’s initiative of soil health testing, Modi is appearing to be invoking the farming class ahead of polls.

Modi addresses rally in Rohaniya 

“I feel proud to be serving the people of Varanasi. In 2022, I intend to fulfill people’s dream to own a house. I have another dream of doubling the farmer earnings by 2022.”

Rahul targets Modi over sidelining Sushma Swaraj

America jake Obama se gale milte hain Sushma SwarajJi se kehte hain tumhari zarurat nhi hai tum baitho yahan main ja rha hu America-RG on PM pic.twitter.com/QZTwnfOylw

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 6, 2017

Rahul targets Modi over excessive centralisation of power

Invoking the recent Isro’s achievement of sending 104 satellites at one go, Rahul alleged that Modi does not give credit of his achievements to anyone else and likes to appropriates others  achievements.

Modi ji sab kuch swayam karte hain, ISRO ne rocket bheja Modi Ji kehte hain maine kiya: Rahul Gandhi in Jaunpur #uppolls2017 pic.twitter.com/xXMAxHtbfQ

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 6, 2017

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi targets Modi on lack of growth 

 
Rahul reiterated that the people of UP have made up their mind to vote the SP-Congress alliance to power.

Invoking Vijay Mallya, Rahul Gandhi added that the SP-Congress alliance will make UP a world-level factory hub. He said that while the NDA government has given loans to the 50 richest people, his government will support factories in small towns.

Rahul taunted Modi, says he has failed to being ‘acche din’ and has also not helped build Make in India. 

Modiji ki achhe din wali picture flop ho gayi; ab dekhne ko nahi milegi: Rahul Gandhi at an election rally in Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/d8VIuNZKgq

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 6, 2017

Aap kaam karte ho aur Narendra Modi uska fayda unn 50 parivaaron ko de dete hain; hum uska fayda aapko denge: Rahul Gandhi in Jaunpur pic.twitter.com/EIc5FJmOum

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 6, 2017

Hum yuvaaon ki sarkar laaenge Modi Ji ki aayu hogai hai, vo buzurg hogaye hain, unki age hogai hai: Rahul Gandhi in Jaunpur pic.twitter.com/OOmrzeYtFw

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 6, 2017

Watch: Modi inside Lal Bahadur Shastri memorial

PM Modi inside the memorial 

PM Modi at Lal Bahadur Shastri Memorial in Varanasi pic.twitter.com/aanuIoYQO7

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 6, 2017

Modi pays floral tribute at former prime minister Lal Bahadur Shastri’s memorial

Modi to visit Lal Bahadur Shastri’s memorial

Varanasi: PM Narendra Modi waves to supporters in Ram nagar, he is on his way to Lal Bahadur Shastri memorial pic.twitter.com/anIxlHoAf8

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 6, 2017

PM Modi to address rally shortly

Prime Minister Narendra Modi en-route to Rohaniya in Varanasi for his rally. According to CNN-News18, there is a mini-road show as his convoy is moving towards the helipad.

Modi did not do what he promised, says Akhilesh

PM ne janta se kiye huye vaade poore nahi kiye, acche din ki baat sirf prachaar mein thi: CM Akhilesh Yadav in Jaunpur pic.twitter.com/iwfBEQ3j3B

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 6, 2017

Akhilesh invokes his development work

Akhilesh Yadav while addressing a rally in Jaunpur said that his government has done various developmental work. He targeted BJP for communalising electricity, invoking Modi’s Ramzan comment.

Akhilesh Yadav targets Modi

“If someone does not pay tax that is black money. Note is not black, not paying tax is black money. BJP has fooled country.When will Modi talk about his work? Stop Mann ki baat and start kaam ki baat.”

Prime Minister in Gadhwaghat Ashram 

PM Narendra Modi offers prayers at Gadhwaghat Ashram in Varanasi pic.twitter.com/JS3gm5PcM9

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 6, 2017

Prime Minister visits Gadhwaghat Ashram, meets its head mahant

Varanasi (UP): PM Narendra Modi meets Mahant Sharananand of Gadhwaghat Ashram pic.twitter.com/f18QaRmwU7

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 6, 2017

Prime Minister Modi to speak shortly, address final rally in his constituency

Varanasi: PM Narendra Modi at Gadhwa ghat Ashram, will speak shortly pic.twitter.com/4b63iMnEkE

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 6, 2017

SP-BSP, all of them are same: Modi

SP-BSP ek thaali ke chatte batte hain aur Cong toh...bhavishya mein shayad puratatva vibhag kholna padega ke koi Cong party thi ya nahi: PM pic.twitter.com/FcqcLEfjjJ

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 5, 2017

Congress is history: Modi

“We may have to open an archival centre for Congress. They are done. Just look at the results in Maharashtra.”

Akhilesh govt obstructed development programmes: Modi

We wanted to build a ring road but the state (UP) govt did not cooperate and kept obstructing that. They did not cooperate: PM in Varanasi pic.twitter.com/4RlmN2YNv4

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 5, 2017

Those sitting in top posts have looted the country: Modi

Desh ko jo padd par baithe hain, jinko kaagazo,files par hastaakshar karne ka haq mila hai unhi logon ne loota hai desh ko: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/paeLE3mciJ

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 5, 2017

Modi addresses rally in Kashi Vidyapeeth

Modi calls Akhilesh Yadav govt lazy

“By 2022, there won’t be a single family who won’t have a house of their own. Even the poor should get a house. The house should have power and water. That’s the kind of work we want to do. We told UP govt that there are 30 lakh people in cities who need houses. The govt is ready to get it done. We wrote so many letters, but this government is sleeping. They couldn’t make a list. How do you expect a govt who can’t make a list to make houses.”

Govt not using funds properly: Modi

“The government has given 11,000 crore for development works, but the govt has not paid anyone to get it done. There’s 4,500 crore still lying around.”

The Prime Minister on surgical strikes

“The opposition began asking for proof of the surgical strikes. They were troubled by the fact that such a huge operation was conducted without even one life being lost on our side.They don’t have the respect in their hearts for the troops of the country.”

The Prime Minister

“If you have an honest government and honest government servants, then businessmen will be honest too. They won’t steal a rupee."

The Prime Minister  

“Remember what the newspapers said about the previous government. The Commonwealth Scam, 2G Scam, Coalgate, Helicopter Scam. One, two, three lakh crores. Money disappearing. What do people ask Modi today? How much money has come in. Tell us how much money has returned. This is the first government that the people trust to bring back the money.”

The Prime Minister  

“We need to throw out the corrupt. I won’t trouble the common man, but I won’t spare those who have looted the country. Have you sent me to keep the status quo or to fix things?”

The Prime Minister on the opposition

“They (opposition) spread rumours. No one will trouble the honest, I reassure you. We will praise the honest, respect the honest."

The Prime Minister on the opposition

“Corruption has destroyed this country. The Congress, SP and BSP used to be at each other’s throats but came together only after demonetisation to target Modi”

The Prime Minister attacks Congress, SP and BSP

“Our motto is sabka sath sabka vikas, but Congress, SP and BSP say  kuch ka saath kuch ka vikas"

The Prime Minister quotes Mark Twain 

Stating that Varanasi has a very rich heritage, the Prime Minister says “Varanasi is older than history, older than tradition, older than legend…."

Prime Minister

“Brothers and sisters, I have been fortunate to be take out this yatra and be a part of it. I’ve been fortunate to experience seeing the people of Kashi."

PM Modi begins his speech

The Prime Minister kicks off his speech with ‘Har Har Mahadev’ and ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’

Varanasi: PM Modi's roadshow reaches conclusion point of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith, where he will address rally shortly #uppolls2017 pic.twitter.com/mP6yWcA5g5

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 5, 2017

Varanasi: PM Narendra Modi's road show reaches Teliyabag, amid chants of "Modi-Modi" #WATCH LIVE: https://t.co/emc0ghJ56a pic.twitter.com/yYDB9NXEzw

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 5, 2017

Akhilesh Yadav ridicules Modi’s roadshow, says PM will reach “somewhere else” 

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav today sought to ridicule Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s roadshows saying these are bound to fail like the earlier ones and would lead the PM “somewhere else.”

“Ek roadshow kiya, wo fail ho gaya.. Ek aur karne ja rahe hain, wo bhi fail hoga, phir ek aur karenge… Ab roadshow karte karte kahin aur nikal jayenge.. (A  roadshow was done..it failed. He is doing one more..it will also fail and then again a roadshow will be held…Now he will go somewhere else by doing his  roadshow),” said Akhilehsh while addressing a poll rally in Sonebhadra. – PTI

Is the Samajwadi Party ceding ground to BJP

Beyond the campaign blitzkrieg that has overpowered Uttar Pradesh, and arguments tearing through television sets in living rooms, something seems to be brewing against the incumbent Samajwadi Party in the Hindi-majority state especially with the polls nearing the seventh and final phase on 8 March.

Akhilesh no doubt did a wonderful job of retaining the control of the party and pushing the old-timers including his father Mulayam Singh Yadav out of SP.

In fact, till a few weeks ago, it seemed all was going well for the SP-Congress Alliance. But if media reports are to be believed, the Samajwadi Party has more reasons to worry than it did at the beginning of campaigning in the state. And the one person at the centre of this turn of the tide is Gayatri Prasad Prajapati, a cabinet minister in Yadav government.

PM Modi’s convoy reaches Chaukaghat

In Ghazipur, Amit Shah repeats his ‘UP ke do rajkumar’ barb

“There are two princes in the state (UP). One (Rahul Gandhi) is giving tough times to his mother and the other one (Akhilesh Yadav) to his father. And the entire state is having a tough time facing their antics, says Amit Shah,” Shah said.

Mayawati claims PM Modi’s Saturday roadshow was in violation MCC

PM Modi's road show in Varanasi is a violation of MCC and will affect free & fair polls; EC must take appropriate action in this regard: BSP pic.twitter.com/Ut7w4gWvZi

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 5, 2017

Meanwhile… Rahul Gandhi claims alliance will cinch victory in UP

कल के रोडशो में बनारस ने फैसला ले लिया। आज मिर्जापुर ने और पूरे UP ने फैसला ले लिया- UP में गठबंधन की सरकार बनने जा रही है pic.twitter.com/jKLmpkR2lW

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 5, 2017

BJP supporters flocking the streets give an impression of a Modi wave in the temple city

According to the peopel, who CNN-News18’s ground reporters interviewed, people in Varanasi are inclined to vote for Modi, if not the local BJP candidate. 
 

Several people, who were undecided about giving Akhilesh another chance, now say that they are impressed by the way Modi is making efforts to reach out to the people of Benaras, despite being such a big leader.

BJP’s candidate dilemma may hurt party in PM Modi’s parliamentary constituency Varanasi

Varanasi is not turning out to be the cakewalk the BJP might have hoped for. Factors like consolidation of opposition votes and well-entrenched rival candidates against BJP’s perceived fumbling in picking its nominees have come together to make contests close in this high-profile seat.

“I am a little critical. There is an excess effort from the BJP and people can feel it. Everybody has a role and stature and I think it (Modi’s numerous events) diminishes the prime minister’s chair,” said Ashok Kumar Upadhyay, a professor in Political Science Department of Banaras Hindu University. He, however, told PTI that the overdrive may end up helping the saffron party by winning over floating voters who are guided by the “wave”.

Watch: PM Modi’s roadshow in Varanasi

#WATCH: Day 2 of PM Modi's road show in Varanasi; started from Pandeypur Chauraha,road show will conclude at Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapith pic.twitter.com/RIAr5smgEA

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 5, 2017

Meanwhile… Amit Shah holds the front in Ghazipur

As a battery of BJP star campaigners camp at PM’s constituency, Varanasi, BJP national president Amit Shah is holding rallies in other districts of eastern UP.

At the moment, Shah is conducting a public meeting in Ghazipur

Muslim weavers in Varanasi back SP-Congress, feel alienated by BJP

Many of the Muslim weavers are not very happy with the BJP’s policies, with their Banarasi sarees having lost sheen post note ban. Besides there are old fault lines that deeply divide the community and the saffron party.

Asked if they would vote for Modi, whose road show on Saturday passed through some Muslim localities and drew good response, some youths shot back, “How many Muslims have been fielded by the BJP in UP? Zero. We are 20 per cent in the state but not seen good enough even for one of the 403 seats. Why should we vote for him?”

Huge Muslim Turnout at Modi Roadshow May Not Translate Into Votes

Huge crowd dotting the roads of Varanasi just to catch a glimpse of PM Modi surpries no one. What’s unexpected is the sizeable presence of people from the Muslim community at the PM’s roadshow. 

However, the goodwill gesture may not translate into votes for BJP candidates in his parliamentary seat.

“Hamare prime minister hain. Banaras taraqqi karega to hum bhi karengein. But BJP wale humein pasand nahi karte. (He is our prime minister. If Vanarasi progresses, then so will we, but the BJP does not like us), says Rafiq Ahmed, a septuagenarian trader in Madanpura.

If some Muslims give credit to the prime minister for launching developmental schemes aimed at Varanasi and increased cleanliness, there is also lot of resentment in the community over demonetisation, which has especially hit hard the weaving community, comprising mostly Muslims.

Today’s roadshow focussed on BJP swing seats

The Prime Minister will be touring the Varanasi North constituency extensively, which it lost to the BSP in last Assembly elections.

PM Modi’s convoy reaches Pandeypur crossing

Shatrughan Sinha calls PM’s roadshow a “desperate” effort, says if PM confident of win then what’s the need of “taamjhaam

BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha, who was apparently miffed over his name not being in the list of star campaigners, has said that the Prime Minister himself descending down to hold two roadshows in one city shows some desperation.

He said “if you are confident of a win, you have star campaigners then why do you need all this drama”

Meanwhile… voices of discord from within BJP?

Ye kisi kisam ki desperation ka bhi sanket deta hai. Ye kaisa desperation hai?: Shatrughan Sinha on PM Modi's roadshow in Varanasi pic.twitter.com/DxhGIYvxM1

— ANI (@ANI) March 5, 2017

Day 2 of PM Modi's road show in his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi; crowd at Pandeypur Chauraha shouts "Modi-Modi" & "Vande Matram" pic.twitter.com/aVH0Yi37HZ

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 5, 2017

The mystery of ‘official’ vs ‘unofficial’ roadshow

As the Congress and SP cornered the BJP over the Saturday’s roadshow, BJP has been on the defensive, stating that it was not really a roadshow but a jandarshan for the PM.

Moreover, the SP-Congress combine has been claiming that they pulled a better crowd than Modi in the PM’s Lok Sabha constityuency. With the BJP now claiming that the Saturday’s charade was not really a rodshow but an informal interaction, PM Modi stands another chance to beat his opponents at it.

And.. the procession begins

PM Narendra Modi's roadshow in Varanasi starts from Pandeypur Chauraha pic.twitter.com/a1ou4hINdY

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 5, 2017

PM Modi’s ‘official roadshow’ to begin shrotly from Pandeypur crossroads

The Prime Minister’s chopper has landed at Police Lines in Varanasi and he will commence his roadshow shrotly from the Pandeypur crossing, where a milling crowd had gathered since the morning. 

Modi had, on Saturday, also held an impromptu roadshow in the city, which also drew some flak from his opponents, who alleged that the programme was in violation of the model code of conduct. The Congress also lodged a formal complaint with the poll panel.

The BJP has, however, said that no violation was committed as the route of the entire convoy was shared with the officials.

PM Modi lands in Varanasi, to begin road show shortly

UP Governor Ram Naik writes to CM Akhilesh, takes exception to Prajapati still holding Cabinet post

Meanwhile.. SP too struggles with it’s tainted minister accused of rape

It’s not the BSP alone is is having a tough time with tainted leaders. Samajwadi Party’s minister Gayatri Prajapati, who is booked in a rape case and is currently absconding, continues to be the ruling party’s Achilles heel.

The UP Police have issued a non-bailable warrant against Prajapati, who was last seen on 27 February at a Samajwadi Party rally, where the UP CM Akhilesh Yadav was also present.

SP’s opponents, especially BJP, have been cornering the Akhilesh Yadav government over the issue, but now the Governer of Uttar Pradesh Ram Naik has also taken exception with the tainted minister still holding ranks in the UP cabinet.

BSP candidate from Ayodhya, Bazmi Siddiqui, booked on rape charges

Bahujan Samaj Party candidate from Ayodhya seat, Bazmi Siddiqui and his six aides were booked by the police for allegedly raping a woman.

Five of his accused associates have been arrested, the police said, even as Siddiqui claimed the case was a political conspiracy against him.

Modi to hold roadshow in Varanasi today

Narendra Modi is set to hold a roadshow here today in support of local BJP candidates, a day after an impromptu tour through the winding streets of the city.

Modi is scheduled to begin his tour today with the roadshow which will commence at 3 PM from the Police Lines helipad where his chopper will land, BJP  media convenor for Kashi Prant, comprising several districts in eastern UP, Sanjay Bhardwaj told PTI.

After the rally, Modi will leave for the Diesel Locomotive Works guest house where he will stay the night. Before retiring for the day, the Prime Minister will interact with nearly 2,000 prominent citizens drawn from various walks of life at the DLW premises – PTI

Modi heads to airport to depart for Delhi, promises to come back tomorrow

I am not just your PM but a BJP worker too: Modi

At Varanasi rally, Modi layed out his vision to develop Uttar Pradesh and Varanasi

Modi said that he envisions a cleaner, greener and more prosperous Uttar Pradesh with Varanasi at the forefront. He said that he will aspire to provide 24×7 electricity, better roads and cleaner Ganga to the peopel of Kashi. He also took a dig at the UP government for “failing” to implement Centre’s developmental schemes.

UP CM lies about providing 24×7 electricity, but todays Shiva himself showed them reality: Modi

Modi said, “Akhilesh Yadav lies about providing 24×7 electricity, I ask you, is power outage a problem or not.”

“But today bhole baba (Lord Shiva) himself gave them proof as during their temple visit today, there was power outage,” Modi added

PM Modi lauds Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojna, says we have slashed prices of life saving drugs

PM Modi promises to bring electricity for 24 hours in Varanasi

24 ghante bijli dene ka vaada karta hoon,mujhe Ganga maiya ki kasam khaane ki zarurat nahi hai: PM Modi in Varanasi pic.twitter.com/ON6FIFGGO0

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 4, 2017

Modi recounts work initiated by him as an MP

Narendra Modi recounted his achievement at Varanasi rally as he sought to seek vote for the local candidates in the region. He said that the work for ring road was stalled for years, which has resumed after his efforts. He also said that the hanging wires from electric poles were also fixed under his tenure, which were a hazard for people.

Modi also reminded people that he has improved the infrastructure and is working to transform key roads into four-lane highways.

Kashi is the paradigm of humanity, its a message for entire human race: Narendra Modi

I want to restore Kashi’s former glory, this city is a symbol of humanity: Modi

I want to stay one night in my constituency, amid my people: Modi

PM Modi greets people in Bhojpuri

People were slightly taken aback when PM Modi, known for his extempore speeches, started reading out his address at his Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi. But the people of the ancient temple city were in for a surpirse when Modi greeted his supporters in their language, Bhojpuri.

PM Modi addresses rally in Varanasi

Uttar Pradesh Police search for Gayatri Prajapati, conducted raid in Kanpur, earlier today pic.twitter.com/oLVrXSYSqd

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 4, 2017

PM Modi thanks people of Varanasi, Jaunpur for love and warm welcome

अपार स्नेह और प्यार के लिए काशी के लोगों का हृदय से आभार। pic.twitter.com/t4aCStuHqD

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 4, 2017

जौनपुर की सभा यादगार रही... भारी जनसैलाब और जबर्दस्त जन समर्थन के लिए जनता का बहुत-बहुत आभार। https://t.co/gR7nh7xjp2 pic.twitter.com/fmYYSknOxh

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 4, 2017

PM Modi takes a dig at Akhilesh Yadav over tainetd minister, says SP-Congress chant ‘Gayatri Prajapati’ mantra

Blaming Akhilesh Yadav for “sleeping over” the demand for justice by a “beti” in the rape case against Gayatri Prajapati, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the voters in Uttar Pradesh have got an opportunity to perform the “pind daan” (last rites) of their “tormentors”.

Pictures of Akhilesh Yadav, Dimple Yadav and Rahul Gandhi at Kashi Vishwanath temple

Rahul Gandhi, CM Akhilesh Yadav and Dimple Yadav pray at Varanasi's Kashi Vishwanath temple. pic.twitter.com/RXkzuavn7N

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 4, 2017

PM Modi back in Varanasi, to address people shortly

People at Modi’s roadshow mere spectators: Mayawati

BSP chief Mayawati said that those seen at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s roadshow in Varanasi were “mere spectators” brought in from other states and districts in Uttar Pradesh where voting had already taken place.

Addressing a rally in Rohaniya, 20 km away from Varanasi, she also asserted that the BJP and the SP-Congress combine were fighting for second and third place in the UP polls.

After Kejriwal And Parrikar, Akhilesh Yadav Asks UP Voters to Accept Money

Akhilesh Yadav is the latest addition to the list of leaders who have asked the electorate to take money from other outfits but cast vote for their respective parties.

After Modi, Akhilesh and Dimple Yadav offer prayers at Kashi Vishwanath temple

Meanwhile… trouble increases for tainted UP minister Gayatri Prajapati

The noose tightened around SP leader Gayatri Prajapati, who is accused of raping a minor girl, as a non-bailable warrant was issued against him on Saturday.

The passport of the SP leader has also been revoked for four weeks and a look out circular has been released by the UP Police.

Non bailable warrant issued against Gayatri Prajapati and 6 others. Prajapati's passport revoked for 4 weeks, look out circular issued pic.twitter.com/qB7IzZWum5

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 4, 2017

Sarkar ki chabhi Dimple bhabhi?

According to ground reporters of CNN-News18, UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav’s wife Dimple Yadav also seems to be a major crowd puller. While the Samajwadi supporters are anxious to listen to their leader speak, they are equally curious to see Dimple ‘Bhabhi.’

Donning a flamingo pink saree and a quarter-sleeved blouse, Dimple flanks her husband at the road show, smiling at the right moments and waving at the crowd amassed to see her. She has addressed several rallies to support husband Akhilesh. Her halting bhojpuri and calm demeanour usually has a pleasant effect on the crowds.

Amid chants of “_Dimple Bhabhi sarkar ki chabhi, (_Dimple will be the key to forming government), the UP ki bahu is about to address her maiden rally in Varanasi.

Over 57% voter turnout recorded in sixth phase

57.03% voting in sixth phase of Uttar Pradesh elections till 5 pm. Still counting: Election Commission pic.twitter.com/hZoEp7ZKKQ

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 4, 2017

In Pictures: Akhilesh Yadav, Rahul Gandhi’s road show continues

Rahul Gandhi and CM Akhilesh Yadav's roadshow continues in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. pic.twitter.com/a499OAEKXm

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 4, 2017

Akhilesh claims more number of people turned out to see him than PM Modi

Polling closes for sixth phase elections

#UPPolls2017: Polling ended for sixth phase of elections of UP elections. Visuals from a polling booth in Gorakhpur, UP. pic.twitter.com/9RyIZkcxRI

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 4, 2017

SP, BJP workers clash at Akhilesh-Rahul’s joint roadshow

A clash broke out between SP and BJP workers during the joint roadshow of Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi in Varanasi. The roadshow took off from Kutchery at around 3 pm.

As the procession reached Chaukaghat, with Gandhi and Yadav perched atop an open bus and a swarm of supporters marching on foot, SP workers came face to face with members of BJP which has set up a media centre nearby.

Tempers flared and workers of both parties started yelling and hurling stones at each other. The situation was soon brought under control as policemen deployed along the route resorted to lathicharge. – PTI

Politicos compete over who pulled more crowd in Varanasi face-off, but does footfall at rally equals votes?

Ground reporters of CNN-News18 report that the Akhilesh-Rahul road show pulled almost equal number of people as Modi did in his road shows. Meanwhile, Mayawati also claimed absolute support in the holy city.

But if headcount at a rally were an indicator of people’s preferences at all…

Modi’s road show passing through Muslim dominated areas like Sonarpura and Madanpura evoked lot of curiosity among the community. Even they came out in strength to see him.

What remains to be seen is that whether the milling crowd could actually translate into votes for these leaders.

Meanwhile… Rashtriya Ulama Council says, BJP not our enemy, Muslims need to dispel ‘pseudo-secularist’ parties

“In our politics, BJP is neither our enemy nor are the so-called secular parties our friends,” the  Rashtriya Ulama Council (RUC) chief Maulana Aamir Rashadi declares.

“Why has Modi become our enemy because of just one riot and why is Akhilesh not our enemy despite hundreds of riots during his tenure?,” says Rashadi who backs the BSP in the ongoing elections. 

Rashadi believes that the SP-Congress alliance is a saazish (conspiracy) against Muslims of Uttar Pradesh.

Varanasi stretches beyond its temples and Brahmins

Amid the din surrounding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to two prominent Hindu shrines in Varanasi on Saturday, it is the city’s Muslim community that felt alienated from the political discourse that gripped this land of temples on the banks of the river Ganga.

The city is home to a sizeable Muslim community, in fact, 15 percent if you talk in numbers. Many among the community, which is usually perceived to be lock, stock and barrel against Modi and the saffron party, had voted for Modi (ergo development) in the 2014 elections.

But with the communal undertones in the prime minister’s election rallies — like his recent graveyard-crematorium comment — the Muslim community may be keen on doing a rethink on the trust they had reposed in the BJP.

Political heat picks up in varanasi as Dimpe Yadav joins Akhilesh, Rahul roadshow

Dimple Yadav joins CM Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi's roadshow in Varanasi #uppolls2017 pic.twitter.com/Z5TCVObTvM

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 4, 2017

 Stone pelting during Congress road show

According to India Today, stones were hurled at the Samajwadi Party and Congress supporters during their road show in Varanasi. More updates are awaited.

It is instructive to note here that, emotions running high in the city amid political face-off between SP-Congress, BSP and BJP. The city has become a political battleground with top leaders of all three major contenders holding their rallies.

All is not well for BJP in Varanasi as locals notice credibility gap between promise and delivery

A two-day trip to this ancient holy city bursting with over two thousand temples and a host of prominent as well as obscure akharas and mutts belonging to various Hindu sects revealed little sign of religious bigotry or communal prejudice in the majority community. The denial of a ticket to a local icons, its troubled alliance with a cleaving Apna Dal, and demonetisation have only compounded BJP’s woes.

Modi heads back to Varanasi, will host townhall style address in the temple city

Roads in Jaunpur, a tell tale sign of Akhilesh govt’s ‘Kaam’

Urging voters to vote for the BJP, Modi said, “People told me that if you take the Agra-Delhi express highway, even you will vote for Akhilesh Yadav.”

He said that then he told those people that if Akhilesh and Rahul will take a road in Jaunpur, even they will not vote for themselves.

Are we?

Mayawati does no road shows .. goes back to old style campaigning .. huge crowds .. are we making the mistake of under estimating her ?

— pallavi ghosh (@_pallavighosh) March 4, 2017

Meanwhile, Akhilesh-Rahul begin roadshow in Varanasi

Varanasi: Rahul-Akhilesh's roadshow. Out of 5 seats in Varanasi LS, SP won 1, BJP 3 in 2012, Apna Dal lost Rohaniya to SP in by-election pic.twitter.com/lnnubunIk3

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 4, 2017

Why politicise issues of national security, asks Narendra Modi in Jaunpur

For 40 years our forces demanded OROP but nothing happened. I had promised a BJP Govt will deliver on OROP&we did: PM at a rally in Jaunpur pic.twitter.com/BQlTCJa745

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 4, 2017

Those who question surgical strikes come to Jaunpur & ask the families of martyrs. Why politicise issues of national security: PM in Jaunpur pic.twitter.com/eEoPNIqcaU

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 4, 2017

48.73% voting recorded till 3 pm

According to reports, voter turnout till 3 pm recorded at 48.73% in the sixth phase of Uttar Pradesh election 2017.

48.73% voting recorded till 3 pm in the sixth phase of UP elections 2017. pic.twitter.com/ebQ49VUIHq

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 4, 2017

WATCH: PM Narendra Modi addresses election rally in Jaunpur

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauds the Indian Army for the surgical strike and lambasted the opposition for deriding the Army’s achievements. Watch Modi’s speech LIVE. 

Modi says the state’s weather is reflective of the increased political heat as well: Modi in Jaunpur

“When polling started the season was chilly, but by the time we reached jaunpur political heat has warmed up the weather too,” Modi said while greeting the crowd.

Modi reaches Jaunpur, addresses public meeting

BJP, SP competing only for second and third position: Mayawati

Does BHU VC joins Modi’s campaign, symbolises end of Left-leaning discourse in the varsity

As reports of BHU VC joining Modi’s road show come in, important to highlight the students complain of decreasing space for catharsis at the university. Discourse has moved towards right. Seminars focus more on Golwalkar less on Gandhi. Restrictions on girl students have increased.

Meanwhile, voting percentage weans in sixth phase; 37.85% percentage voter turnout recorded till 1pm

‘UP ke ladke’ begin campaigning right after PM Modi’s road show; Mayawati’s rally underway in Rohania
 

Congress VP Rahul Gandhi and UP CM Akhilesh Yadav hold joint roadshow in Varanasi pic.twitter.com/JbH3u69SZ3

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 4, 2017

Modi recreates 2014 in Banaras

For once the chants which were only reserved for Baba Vishwanath, Lord Shiva was made victory chant for Modi, “Har Har Modi Ghar Ghar Modi”. Anything and everything happening in the city became a thing of highest visibility value. Since then the place is now a political Mahakumbh.

The sight of milling crowd, human waves and enthusiastic people along the roads, balconies and roof tops showing BJP flags, chanting Modi, Modi and showering flower petals had become captivating pictures to influence minds of voters in favour of BJP in 2014. Those frames, with same kind of enthusiasm and chants were back on the streets of Banaras today when Modi smartly turned his visit to various temples in the city to a road show.

Varanasi becomes political battleground

PM Modi’s road show has reached towards its end at BHU.

Akhilesh Yadav’s roadshow is reaching it’s pinnacle as it is headed towards the politiaclly important and communally senitive Gudauliya Churaha.

Mayawati is addressing a rally at Rohaniya in the city.

The election could not get more intense and interesting. As competitive canvassing unravels in the city of temples, people are certain where their loyalties lie.

Meanwhile… PM’s convoy reaches Bharat Hindu University

Competitive campaigning in Varanasi makes nail-biting polls in Poorvanchal even more intense

As the UP election reach the end of business, political heavyweights in the state are leaving no stones unturned. Just as Narendra Modi’s road show brought the city out on the roads, UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav was landing in the holy city to address his lok sabhas in the city’s Rohaniya Assembly seat.

As Modi’s road show was in it’s last leg, Akhilesh Yadav’s road show took off near the Kacheri Chowk.

With BJP and SP being looked at as the main contenders in UP polls, both parties have just upped the stakes in the eastern part of the state with such competitive campaigning. As for ‘banarasis’, they are totally enjoying the political limelight.

Modi camps in Varanasi with a battery of star BJP campaigners… is the PM nervous

The Prime Minister flanked with senior BJP leaders like Amit Shah, Smriti Irani, and Ravi Shankar Prasad will camp in Varanasi overnight. He will shortly fly-off to Jaunpur, where he is scheduled to address a rally. But the Prime Minister will be back to his Lok Sabha constituency by nightfall.

This unusual show of strength in any one city is sending mixed signals. His critics are of the view that this obviously shows that the BJP is nervous about not retaining the voters it gained in the 2014 Lok Sabha election.

Modi visits Kashi’s Kotwal, Baba Bhairavnath

Narendra Modi has reached the temple of Baba Bhairavnath, who according to the local folklore, is the Kotwal or guard of the holy city.

Incidentally, all devotees who pay homage at the Shiva temple, according to customs, visit Bhairavnath first. But the Prime Minister’s visit is an anomaly to that tradition.

Will this give teeth to the Opposition alleging Modi does not understand the region?

BHU vice-chancellor joins Narendra Modi’s roadshow in Varanasi

As reports come in that the vice-chancellor of BHU joined Narendra Modi’s roadshow in Varanasi, it’s imperative to highlight that the students of the university complain of decreasing space for catharsis at the university. 

General discourse has become Right-leaning. Seminars now focus more on Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar (the second Sarsanghchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) and less on Mahatma Gandhi. Restrictions on female students have increased as well.

Massive crowd sweeps Varanasi as Modi’s road show leaves Kashi Vishwanath

The Prime Minister’s convoy is now headed to Baba Bhairavnath temple, and the city has turned out on it’s roads. The massive convoy dotted with streaks of saffron, and midst is Narendra Modi, hands folded, sporting a smile.

Will his charisma translate into actual votes is quite another thing, but right now Varanasi is totally coloured saffron.

Varanasi road show to begin shortly

Thousands came out in support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his roadshow in Varanasi. But Modi is not the only one trying to woo the crucial constituency which goes to polls on 8 March — the final phase of polling. 

Joint roadshow of Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav will soon begin in Varanasi.

Varanasi road show to begin shortly. Enroute will stop for darshan at Kashi Vishwanath temple

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 4, 2017

Modi offers prayers at Kashi Vishwanath

PM Modi’s convoy has reached the famous Shiva temple in Varanasi, Kashi Vishwanath. The Prime Minister, who is also the region’s Lok Sabha MP has offered his prayers and performed Abhishek. However, Modi’s critics are calling the PM’s visit to the temple, that’s the heart and soul of the city of temple city, as mere tokenism.

Watch: Firstpost’s analysis of the sixth phase polling with our executive editor Ajay Singh
 

Interesting political battles in Phase 6 of UP election

There are several interesting contests in the phase as Swamy Prasad Maurya of the Bahujan Samaj Party, Surya Pratap Shahi, BJP, Shyam Bahadur Yadav, SP and others battle it out. While Maurya is contesting from Padrauna, former state Bharatiya Janata Party chief Surya Pratap Shahi is fighting from Pathardeva.

Maximum number of candidates are in Gorakhpur city where 127 candidates are in fray for its nine seats, while the minimum number of candidates – seven – are in Mohammadabad Gohna seat in Mau.

Kushinagar, Mau lead in 25% polling in four hours

Hundreds of thousands of people from Kushinagar and Mau districts in Uttar Pradesh cast their votes in the first four hours of the penultimate sixth phase of the assembly elections, polling 30 and 27 percent respectively, an Election Commission official said. Till 11 am, 25 percent voting was reported from Ballia, 23 percent from Maharajganj and Deoria, and 22 percent from Gorakhpur.

Azamgarh, the Lok Sabha constituency of Samajwadi Party patron Mulayam Singh Yadav recorded the lowest turnout of 21 percent. The SP patriarch did not campaign in this constituency. Meanwhile the second highest turnout of voters were seen in Mau where mafia don turned politician Mukhtaar Ansari was fielded by the Bahujan Samaj Party.

IANS

Narendra Modi in Varanasi

Image courtesy: Alok Rai

Narendra Modi’s roadshow won’t appease ignored Varanasi voters

Varanasi is Narendra Modi’s parliamentary constituency, which has not changed much since he became the prime minister. Considering he is the prime minister, he should sweep the district, but that’s not happening. BJP is struggling in the constituency.

In south Varanasi seat, there are 55 percent Muslims and are likely to consolidate behind the alliance. In north, two of BJP leaders are contesting independently because they didn’t get ticket. They could eat into the BJP candidate’s voteshare. And the cantt seat is tough to call.

Weavers from Ansari community in Varanasi furious with Modi after demonetisation

Known for  Gautam Buddha’s Sarnath, Ganga and Bismillah Khan’s Shehnai, Varanasi is a complex constituency as the demographic divide is complicated as well. Along with sizeable Brahmin population, it consists of weavers who amount to over a lakh. They are from the Ansari community. They are worst hit by demonetisation and are furious with Modi. They question the intention behind it, unlike the rest of Uttar Pradesh where Modi is hailed as a crusader against corruption.

No party ignores the Brahmin factor in Varanasi

The importance of Brahmin votes can be explained by revisiting June 2016, when Mayawati sacked Sanjay Bharti for posting an anti-Brahmin comment on Facebook. Congress president Sonia Gandhi, too, chose Varanasi to kickstart Congress campaign a few months ago. Brahmin voters in Varanasi may be with BJP today, but it was with Congress during the time of Kamalapathi Tripathi. The religious polarisation got acute here when Murli Manohar Joshi and Mukhtar Ansari fought against each other in 2009.

Curfew relaxed in Lakhimpur

Curfew was relaxed for 12 hours in Lakhimpur city where tension had prevailed following clashes over an objectionable video.

“Curfew has been relaxed from 6 am to 6 pm today. Banks and offices will be allowed to open. However, schools and colleges will remain closed,” District Magistrate Akashdeep told reporters.

He said security will remain in place in sensitive areas. There were reports from some areas of burning of makeshift shops by miscreants. — PTI

SP-Congress, BJP, BSP rush to please Brahmin voters in Varanasi

All political parties in fray have shifted their focus to the last phase of polling and the spotlight is now on Varanasi. 

Varanasi is one of the high profile constituencies which is going to polls on 8 March. It has a large Brahmin votebank. Even though they are not in majority, parties know the importance of a Brahmin vote because they say it has the power to influence other voters. It is no surprise that Modi and the gathbandhan (SP-Congress alliance) are focusing on Varanasi as the polling reaches its business end.

Adityanath’s popularity will be tested in 6th phase

As it is this phase has maximum number of Bahubalis in the fray.

Gorakhpur too is voting today. Yogi Adityanath is a force to reckon with. He monopolises BJP or Hindutava politics in that region. The BJP has been doing well in the past but this time the BJP is a serious contender for power. Amit Shah-Adityanath road show here had drawn huge crowds. Gorakhpur thus has to improve its tally for BJP. Adyitanath’s popularity and might is on test.

Mukhtar Ansari and Muslim votebank: Akhilesh’s loss is Mayawati’s gain

The Samajwadi Party-Congress’ Muslim support angle gets a mighty challenge from the BSP in today’s sixth round of polling.

Jilted by Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, jailed don Mukhtar Ansari and rest of his family (quami Ekta Dal) shifted their allegiance to the BSP. Mukhtar is in jail and the constituency he is fighting from Mau is voting today. His son Abbas is fighting from neighbouring Ghosi.

Don’s influence extends to few districts in Poorvanchal. SP’s loss is BSP’s gain. But that opens possibility of a reverse polarisation in favour of BJP. Mukhtar’s brother Sibgatullah’s potential will be tested in next phase of election in Ghazipur. Sibgatullah  is pitted against widow of Krishnanand Rai, It should be noted that Mukhtar is in jail in connection with muder of Krishnand Rai and Alka Rai is BJP candidate.

Minor scuffle between SP and BJP workers at BHU

A minor scuffle between Samajwadi Party (SP) and BJP workers took place outside the Singh Dwar of the BHU from where the prime minister started his road show. 

At another point, SP workers erected a stage in the middle of the route road and the police had to forcefully remove it before deatining seven SP workers. — IANS

Stakes high for Narendra Modi in Varanasi

Stakes are particularly high for the BJP in the Prime Minister’s Lok Sabha constituency. Top leaders like party chief Amit Shah and vice president in-charge of UP Om Mathur have been conducting whirlwind tours of the city while Union ministers like Arun Jaitley, Smriti Irani and Piyush Goyal have been interacting with citizens from different walks of life.

Modi might return to Varanasi on Sunday

Although Modi’s programme for 5-6 March is yet to reach the administration here, according to party sources, the prime minister is likely to return to his parliamentary constituency on Sunday evening to hold a rally. He is likely to reach the rally’s venue in a procession resembling a road show before going to the guest house of Diesel Locomotive Works where he might informally interact with nearly 2,000 distinguished citizens and, thereafter, retire for the day.

On Monday, the final day of campaigning for the seventh phase, Modi is expected to visit Ramnagar area across the Ganga, where Lal Bahadur Shastri had spent his early childhood, and garland a statue of the former Prime Minister. Then, Modi is likely to sign off with a rally in Rohaniya.

The day will also be marked by a rally of Mayawati in Rohaniya. The seat was wrested by the SP from the Apna Dal in a by-poll necessitated three years ago by sitting MLA Anupriya Patel’s election to the Lok Sabha.

Patel is now a Union minister and her party has suffered a split. The faction headed by her is contesting the polls in alliance with the BJP while the one led by her mother Krishna is fighting separately.

PM Modi's roadshow underway in Varanasi. Out of 5 assembly constituencies under Varanasi Lok Sabha, currently 3 are held by BJP & 2 by SP. pic.twitter.com/i4q4yUhd0K

— ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2017

Around 23 percent voting recorded till 11 am

23.28% voting recorded till 11 am in the sixth phase of UP elections 2017. pic.twitter.com/pdVINTqgxr

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 4, 2017

SP-Congress alliance hopes to cause an upset 3 of 5 seats in Varanasi

The Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance hopes to cause an upset in three of the five Assembly segments falling under Varanasi Lok Sabha constituency currently held by the BJP. Fighting separately in 2012, the two parties had together polled more votes than the BJP in all the three seats, with the Congress finishing as the runner-up in two of these–Varanasi South and Varanasi Cantt.

In Varanasi North, SP had finished third, behind BJP and BSP, and was followed closely by the Congress. All the three seats–which cover almost the entire city–are being contested by the Congress this time, while the SP is fighting the predominantly rural Rohaniya and Sevapuri.

Here’s Narendra Modi’s itinerary in Varanasi and most of them are temple visits

According to the programme received by the district administration here, Modi is scheduled to arrive at his Lok Sabha constituency at about 3 PM and leave for the Kashi Vishwanath temple after resting for an hour at the guest house of the Benares Hindu University.

After offering prayers at Kashi Vishwanath, Modi will visit the Kaal Bhairav temple, situated a kilometre away.

Modi will then leave for the Kashi Vidyapith University where he is scheduled to address his first public meeting in the ancient temple city during the ongoing Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh. The road show will commence at the Kutchery and conclude at Girijaghar–a church situated in Godaulia locality–close to Kashi Vishwanath and Kaal Bhairav temples.

WATCH: In Varanasi, PM Narendra Modi leads BJP campaign in Purvanchal

PM Narendra Modi's roadshow underway in Varanasi, supporters raise slogans 'Har har Modi, Ghar ghar Modi' pic.twitter.com/n8YwQYepPi

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 4, 2017

Crowd gathers on Varanasi roads as PM Narendra Modi's roadshow begins pic.twitter.com/uHj7m2MiaU

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 4, 2017

PM Modi pays tribute to Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya in Varanasi. pic.twitter.com/sECnx0faH3

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 4, 2017

Spotlight turns to Varanasi: Modi, Mayawati, Akhilesh and Rahul to hold rallies

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, Rahul Gandhi and BSP supremo Mayawati will descend on Varanasi today making it their battleground ahead of the last phase of UP polls, a schedule that has put the administration on its toes. 

In what is likely to cause jitters to the administration and badly affect traffic in the city known for its congested streets, the Prime Minister’s tour will be coinciding with a joint road show by Gandhi and Yadav. The road show was postponed twice last month and is now being held with two more days to go for campaigning in the final lap of seven-phase assembly polls.

A 10 km-long route has been finalised by the district administration in consultation with the elite Special Protection Group (SPG) which provides security cover to both Modi and Gandhi.

Muslims in Azamgarh want SP but doubtful about Congress

For the Muslim electorate in Azamgarh, the alliance between Samajwadi Party and Congress presents an interesting situation. This is an area where Batla House encounter in September 2008 resonates the most. Though the encounter took place in Delhi, the suspected Indian Mujahideen terrorists, who died during that encounter with Delhi Police, belonged to this region. The Congress-led UPA government was in power then and directly controlled Delhi Police. Police Inspector Mohan Chand Sharma died in course of that encounter.

That notwithstanding senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid was on record saying that Congress president Sonia Gandhi cried on seeing pictures of slain boys. Digvijay Singh went to town against position of claiming that the encounter was fake and the boys (suspected Indian Mujahideen terrorists) killed were innocent. The matter went to court where all petitions claiming encounter fake was rejected.

In the run up to 2012 Assembly elections, Rahul Gandhi was booed in Azamgarh’s Shibli College. He had to make a hurried exit from the campus. Digvijay Singh was then instrumental in taking Rahul to Shibli College in Azamgarh to re-establish what they call is Congress’s secularist credentials.

Interestingly in this election, neither Salman Khurshid nor Digvijay Singh have been heard or seen and Rahul has kept his distance from Azamgarh. The Congress didn’t get a single seat in 10 seats of Azamgarh district. The feeling among Muslims is that they would not be voting for Congress but they would be voting for Samajwadi Party and some would vote for the BSP. But at the same time they consider the alliance to be good. The argument is that if the BJP has to be stopped in 2019, the alliances of all kinds would go a long way.

Fire breaks out at several places in UP

Moradabad: Truck caught fire at entrance of a medical college on National Highway 24. Fire doused off pic.twitter.com/I17uqYu5TR

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 4, 2017

Fire breaks out in Lucknow's Aminabad area, more than 12 fire tenders working on the spot. pic.twitter.com/WCnyHF5B94

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 4, 2017

Narendra Modi reaches Babatpur airport, will address public meetings in Jaunpur and Varanasi: ANI

11 percent polling recorded till 9 am

11% voting recorded till 9 am in the sixth phase of UP elections 2017. pic.twitter.com/Drfa536sA7

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 4, 2017

Security beefed up: Indo-Nepal border with Maharajganj and Gorakhpur have been sealed

Central Paramilitary Forces have already reached the constituencies and carried out flag march in sensitive areas. Indo-Nepal border with Maharajganj and Gorakhpur, and border with Bihar have been sealed. Police patrolling has been intensified along inter district borders and barriers have been erected on highways to keep an eye on movements of vehicles.

Maoists and the porous Indo-Nepal border are the two biggest challenges before the police in Maharajganj. The 84 km-long Indo-Nepal border has been sealed by Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and only emergency vehicles will be allowed to cross the border, District Electoral Officer Virendra Kumar Singh said.

Cameras have been installed on trade and transit points along India’s border with Nepal to prevent illegal movement of people during polling. He said two such cameras have already been set up at Sonauli Indo-Nepal Border of Maharajganj district on India-Nepal border. The polling percentage on these 49 seats in sixth phase was 55.04 in 2012 assembly polls.

#UttarPradeshpolls: Voters queue up at polling booth no.3705 in Gorakhpur as sixth phase is underway. pic.twitter.com/mZclaBMXPb

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 4, 2017

Mau: Voting affected due to problem in EVM machine at booth no. 273 at Nasirpur village.

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 4, 2017

Throwback: In 2012, SP won 27 seats out of the 49 while BJP won 7

In the 2012 Assembly polls, of the 49 seats, 27 were won by the Samajwadi Party, 9 by Bahujan Samaj Party, 7 by Bharatiya Janata Party, 4 by Congress and 2 by others. There will be 17,926 polling booths and 10,820 polling centres in this phase.

The highest number of 23 candidates are contesting from Gorakhpur and the least candidates, numbering seven are in pitted for Mohammadabad Gohna seat in Mau district.

Prominent candidates in 6th phase

Prominent candidates in this phase include BSP turncoat Swami Prasad Maurya from Padrauna (Kushinagar), former BJP state president Surya Pratap Shahi from Pathardeva (Deoria), Shyam Bahadur Yadav (SP), son of former Governor Ram Naresh Yadav from Fulpur Pawai (Azamgarh), SP turncoats Ambika Chowhdury and Narad Rai, who are contesting on BSP ticket from Fefna (Ballia) and Ballia Sadar.

Mukhtar is contesting from Mau and his son Abbas is in fray from adjoining Ghosi seat in Mau district.

1.72 crore voters exercise their franchise in 49 crucial constituencies 

Around 1.72 crore voters, including 94.60 lakh men and 77.84 lakh women, are eligible to cast their votes in this round to decide the fate of 635 candidates including 63 women. The districts where polling is going on in the sixth phase are Mau, Gorakhpur, Maharajganj, Kushinagar, Deoria, Azamgarh and Ballia.

Azamgarh Lok Sabha constituency has 10 assembly seats, of which SP had won nine in 2012, but this time Mulayam has not addressed a single meeting in his parliamentary constituency. The prestige of Union minister Kalraj Mishra, who represents Deoria in the Lok Sabha, too is at stake, besides that of Adityanath.

BJP is contesting 45 seats and its ally Apna Dal one.

In crucial sixth phase, Mulayam’s Azamgarh, Adityanath’s Gorakhpur, Mukhtar Ansari’s Mau in fray

Polling in 49 Uttar Pradesh Assembly seats, with Samajwadi Party patron Mulayam Singh Yadav’s Azamgarh being in focus, started today amidst tight security arrangements. Assembly segments of Gorakhpur Lok Sabha constituency of firebrand BJP leader Yogi Adityanath, and Mau, where jailed gangster-turned-MLA Mukhtar Ansari is in fray, also figure in this penultimate phase of polling that will also cover some districts bordering Nepal.

#TopStory Mau, Gorakhpur, Maharajganj, Kushinagar, Deoria, Azamgarh & Ballia to go to polls today in the sixth phase of UP elections. pic.twitter.com/ANVMJY01Yp

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 4, 2017

#UttarPradeshPolls: Yogi Adityanath casts his vote at booth no. 3705 in Gorakhpur pic.twitter.com/2CWIrxbqAV

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 4, 2017

Modi belongs to upper caste, assumed OBC identity to use quota benefits, claims Mayawati
 

In a sizzling attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mayawati alleged that the Prime Minister actually belonged to the upper caste, but assumed an OBC identity later to gain benefits from the same quota policies that his party opposes.

BJP-RSS are the same people that rioted when Mandal commission report was implemented

Alleging BJP of practicing double standards Mayawati said the same people who are today appropriating themselves as ‘Ambedkarvadi,’ have rioted in the past against the implementation of the Mandal commission. 

“They were anti-dalits, are anti-Dalits and will always remain anti-Dalit,” Mayawati added.

Mayawati blames Modi, BJP for Rohith Vemula suicide, Una dalit flogging incident

Calling the BJP, anti-Dalit and anti-minority, BJP invoked the suicide of Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula in Hyderabad, and the Gujarat dalit flogging incident by cow vigilante groups.

EC writes to BSP on writ petition alleging BSP deposited huge amount of cash in party's account after #DeMonetisation; seeks reply by 15 Mar pic.twitter.com/ctTeKtpzQE

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) March 2, 2017

Mayawati responds to Modi’s corruption barb at Mirzapur rally

Reponding to BJP’s allegation that the BSP deposited huge sums of money post demonetisation, Mayawati said that the BJP has only traded verbal barbs but have never been able to show proof.

It is noteworthy here that earlier in the day, the Election Commission had written to the BSP, seeking a response by 15 March in the issue

BSP chief addresses rally in Jaunpur