Lucknow, Feb 8 (IANS) Thousands queued up outside polling booths in Uttar Pradesh as the first of the seven-phase elections to choose a new assembly began Wednesday morning.
Polling began at 7 a.m. in 55 constituencies of the 403 assembly segments in India's most populous and politically crucial state. It ends at 5 p.m.
A total of 1.70 crore people are eligible to vote in this round.
Among the important constituencies are Mahasi and Matera in Bahraich, Ayodhya in Faizabad, Sitapur, Kushinagar, Mubarakpur in Azamgarh and Gazipur.
With 862 candidates in the fray, Barabanki has the maximum number at 26 and Mahmoodabad the least with eight.
The last phase of the elections will be held on March 3 and the votes counted March 6.