Lucknow, Apr 26 (UNI) An estimated 72 per cent of the 3.05 crore electorate exercised their franchise in the third phase of the three-tier Panchayat polls in 20 districts of Uttar Pradesh on Monday amid sporadic incidents of violence and death of two poll workers due to heart attack.
Two government employees, including a home guard, both poll workers died due to heart attack.
Homeguard Ravinder Singh(55) died during panchayat poll duty in Jamalipur village under Sikhohabad area of Ferozabad district while an education department employee died at booth number 169 in Singhpur area in Amethi district.
Till 1700 hours, the average polling in these 20 districts was 62.35 per cent. At that time, Meerut recorded highest of 69.30 per cent of votes while the lowest was at Amethi of 55.92 per cent, State Election Commissioner Manoj Kumar said.
A total of 2,72,821 candidates are trying their luck in the third phase of voting at 2,14,128 booths.
Nine people were injured in clashes during the poll.
In Jaulaun district, six people, including three women, were injured during a clash between supporters of two candidates in Kalpi area.
The incident occurred at Saraini village over fake voting which led to brickbatting and firing between two groups. All the injured were admitted to the district hospital.
A report from Pilibhit said, police arrested a 'tantrik' (occultist) when he spread mustard and other things on the road in support of a candidate at Pipra village under Puranpur tehsil.
Another report said that an elderly person died after some people attacked him in New police station area when he was going to cast his vote. The deceased has been identified as Mihilal.
A report from Fatehpur said some miscreants tried to pour water in the ballot box at Ahinda village under Hathgam police station area in booth number 174. Police have arrested five people, supporters of a pradhan in this connection.
A report from Ferozabad said that clash took place between the supporters of two pradhan candidates Nagla Parduman village under Jasrana tehsil. Two people were injured in the brickbating and firing between Pradhan candidates Guruvesh and Balbir at booth number 132. The miscreants also damaged couple of vehicles.
Another report from Unnao said that clash took place at Jagdishpur village under Makhi police station between supporters of two pradhan candidates.
A history-sheeter also opened fire in which a father of a pradhan candidate was injured. The injured Sumant Singh was rushed Kanpur for treatment. The accused has been arrested.
The incident did not have any impact on the polling .
A report from Ballia said that clash broke out between supporters of two groups at Karnchapra village under Dokati police station area. Several people were taken in custody.
Another report from Moradabad said clash broke out at Nankar village under Mainather police station area over rigging. Some people were injured in the clash.
Polling were held in the districts of Shamli ,Meerut ,Moradabad ,Pilibhit, Kasganj, Firozabad, Auraiya ,Kanpur Dehat, Jalaun, Hamirpur ,Fatehpur, Unnao, Amethi, Barabanki ,Balrampur ,Siddharthnagar, Deoria ,Chandauli ,Mirzapur and Ballia.
Even in the Corona transition period, on April 15, around 71 percent polling was held in the first phase. In the second phase of polls held on April 19 in 20 districts, around 73 per cent of voters exercised their franchise. The fourth phase polls will be held on April 29. The results will be out on May 2.
The Allahabad High Court has directed the government to complete the election process by May 25. In compliance with the same, voting is being held from April 15.
UNI MB SV 1959