UP polls fever grips Rajshahi dist

The coming elections to Union Parishad (UP), the lowest tier of local government, have generated much enthusiasm among the people of rural areas in the district.
Despite bone chilly weather, electioneering has gained momentum as candidates in the poll race geared up their door to door campaign to woo the voters.

As the days of balloting in the staggered polls nearing, the candidates for the post of chairmen and members are spending their time from early morning to midnight with hectic lobbying, exchanging greetings with voters and fixing strategies.

The UP elections are now at the top of discussions at tea stalls and bazaars in the rural areas.

According to schedule, the election will be held in Godagari on January 25, Tanore on January 28, Mohanpur on February 2, Bagha on February 4, Charghat on February 8, Puthiya on February 10, Durgapur on February 20, Baghmara on February 23 and 25 and Paba on February 27.

A total of 8,62,425 voters including 4,33,569 females will exercise their right of franchise in the elections. Polling will be held in 560 centre in nine upazilas.

According to the district election office, a total of 260 chairman candidates will contest for 61 posts in 61 UPs while 2073 candidates will fight for membership in general wards and 647 for members in women's reserved seats.

There are 16 UPs in Baghmara Upazila, five UPs each in Mohanpur and Tanore, nine in Godagari, seven in Paba, three in Durgapur, four in Puthiya and six each in Charghat in Bagha upazila.