Indian State Election: Test for PM Narendra Modi

NEW DELHI Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is facing the biggest electoral battle after 2014 general elections, as first phase of polling concluded in northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, which is India’s most populous state and home to 200 million people. 73 out of 403 assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh went to polls on Saturday in the first phase. Narendra Modi’s demonetization of high-denomination bank notes and surgical strikes across the border in Pakistan will be put to test in Uttar Pradesh assembly elections. Six more phases will be organized in the state till Mar. 8 in the state, with counting on Mar. 11. Western Uttar Pradesh, which witnessed communal riots in 2013, is witnessing a triangular contest with Samajwadi Party-Congress alliance, Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) and BSP all hoping for a strong performance. 63 percent polling was registered in 73 assembly constituencies of the state, said the Election Commission. Elaborate security arrangements were made for the first phase of polling in the state. The Election Commission said, “3888 digital and video cameras were used, webcasting was done in 2857 places for first phase elections.” 296,906 troublemakers were identified and preventive actions were taken against them in first phase of UP elections, informed the Election Commission officials. The Commission also said that the voting figure may change as final compilation is yet to be done. In the last Parliamentary elections in 2014, the BJP swept with its allies, winning 73 of the 80 parliamentary seats in the state.