Polling begins in Uttarakhand, Punjab

Polling began this morning to elect a new 117-member legislative assembly in Punjab and a 70-member House in the hill state of Uttarakhand amidst tight security arrangements.  The two states are among the five going to the polls in crucial assembly elections between January-end and early March. Polling was held in Manipur on January 28, while polling is due to be held on March 3 in Goa. Polling will be conducted in seven phases in Uttar Pradesh between February 8 and March 3. Counting of votes will be held in all five states on March 6 and all results are expected to be out by evening that day.