The battle for UP has now shifted to Awadh and the central UP region, where the six districts of Awadh region — capital Lucknow, Hardoi, Sitapur, Unnao, Rae Bareli and Barabanki (voting in the fifth phase) are said to hold the key to the CM’s chair. In 2017, BJP had won 51 out of the 60 seats. It is banking primarily on its free ration scheme and success in improving law and order, while the opposition is raking up the issue of stray cattle, unemployment and anti-incumbency against the local leaders. ET’s Rakesh Mohan Chaturvedi explains. Watch