Sat Nov 23 07:00:00 UTC 2024: ## UP Bypoll Results Today: BJP vs SP Face-Off in Crucial Election

**Lucknow, UP:** The counting of votes for the Uttar Pradesh assembly by-elections on nine seats will begin at 8 am on Saturday. The by-elections, held on November 20th, took place in Meerapur, Kundarki, Sisamau, Katehari, Phulpur, Majhwan, Ghaziabad, Karhal, and Khair constituencies. While the results won’t significantly alter the state assembly’s overall composition, they hold significant political weight, marking the first major clash between the BJP and Samajwadi Party (SP) since the Lok Sabha elections.

The BJP won Ghaziabad Sadar, Khair, and Phulpur in the 2022 assembly elections, while its ally, Nishad Party, secured Majhwan. The SP won Karhal, Kundarki, Katehari, and Sisamau, and the RLD (now part of the NDA) won Meerapur. Congress didn’t contest but supported the SP, while BSP and AIMIM fielded candidates independently. A majority of the seats witnessed a direct contest between BJP and SP.

Sisamau is expected to declare its results first due to the lower number of rounds of counting. Kundarki, Majhwan, Karhal, and Phulpur have the highest number of rounds (32).

The by-elections are seen as a crucial test for both BJP and SP, acting as a semi-final before the 2027 assembly elections. The election campaign saw direct clashes between CM Yogi Adityanath and Akhilesh Yadav, putting Adityanath’s slogan, “Bantoge to Katoge” (You’ll be divided, then defeated), to the test. This slogan gained prominence during the Haryana and later Maharashtra and Jharkhand elections.

The by-elections also represent a significant test for Akhilesh Yadav’s PDA (Progressive Development Alliance) formula and his strategy of fielding Muslim candidates (four in total), while the BJP focused on OBC candidates.

Late Friday night, Akhilesh Yadav urged his party workers to ensure fair counting and immediately report any irregularities to the election commission. The SP has also requested a recount in 52 polling booths in Meerapur, citing alleged intimidation and misconduct by police.

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