LUCKNOW/IMPHAL: The two-month long assembly elections in five states, marked by frequent name- calling, ended today, with all eyes on the March 11 results that will be seen as a virtual referendum on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity after his demonetisation decision.
The most interest is in the results of Uttar Pradesh where Modi and his BJP party colleagues pulled out all stops during the campaigning for voting that was spread across seven phases.
Over 60 per cent turnout was recorded in the last phase in UP today, taking the voting percentage to nearly 61 in the staggered elections for 403-member Assembly.
Manipur witnessed a turnout of about 86 per cent in the second phase today with an overall voting percentage of 85 for 60-member House.
Elections were also held in Punjab, Uttarakhand and Goa. Exit polls will be released tomorrow.
The election is being billed as a litmus test for Modi as the BJP largely banked on his popularity in its bid for power, especially in the crucial state of Uttar Pradesh where it has been out of Government for 15 years.
It is also the first major election after the demonetisation decision on November 8 last year.
The political discourse during campaigning in Uttar Pradesh was dominated by name-calling with offensive acronyms being freely used to attack political opponents. (AGENCIES)
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