Lok Sabha elections 2024: Voting for eight parliamentary constituencies in Uttar Pradesh commenced at 7 am on Friday, as part of the second phase of the 18th Lok Sabha elections. Among the 91 candidates competing in this phase are actor-turned-politicians Hema Malini, aiming for a third term from Mathura on a BJP ticket, and Arun Govil, known for his portrayal of Lord Ram in the popular television serial ‘Ramayan’.

Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa confirmed that polling will continue until 6 pm. The constituencies where voting is underway include Amroha, Meerut, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddh Nagar, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, and Mathura.

Also Read:Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Phase 2 Live Updates

Gautam Buddha Nagar is witnessing an intense three-way contest among the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Samajwadi Party (SP), and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). Mahesh Sharma is contesting for the BJP, while the BSP has chosen Rajendra Singh Solanki. Representing the SP and the opposition alliance, INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance), is Mahendra Nagar.

While on the other hand, Ghaziabad parliamentary constituency is set for a triangular contest, with the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) eyeing an upset in what is a bastion for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The seat comprises five segments — Loni, Muradnagar, Sahibabad, Ghaziabad, and parts of Dhaulana — and has 2,941,624 registered voters. A total of 14 candidates are in the fray, with the BJP fielding Ghaziabad legislator Atul Garg, the Congress — contesting the polls as the INDIA bloc constituent — picking Dolly Sharma, and the BSP nominating Nandkishor Pundhir.

Also Read:Lok Sabha elections 2024: Stage set for phase 2 polling on 89 constituencies in 13 states today

Uttar Pradesh holds the distinction of having the highest number of parliamentary constituencies among all states, totaling 80, and will witness polling across all seven phases of the election.

With the NDA, the INDIA bloc, and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) fielding their candidates, a three-cornered contest is anticipated. The stakes are particularly high for the BJP, having secured seven out of the eight constituencies in the 2019 election, while the BSP emerged victorious in Amroha.

Also Read:Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Heat wave predicted in several states during second phase of polls – Check list

These eight Lok Sabha constituencies collectively boast over 1.67 crore voters, served by 7,797 polling stations and 17,704 polling booths.

To ensure the smooth conduct of elections, the Uttar Pradesh Police have deployed a significant security contingent, including 6,841 inspectors and sub-inspectors, 39,642 head constables and constables, and 28,784 home-guard personnel. Additionally, 60 companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and 239 companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been stationed across the constituencies.