Press Trust of India / New Delhi Apr 30, 2009, 11:58 IST
Braving sizzling temperatures, voters came out in sizeable numbers to exercise their franchise in the third phase of Lok Sabha polls in nine states and two union territories, which was by and large peaceful barring stray incidents of violence in Bihar and West Bengal.
The fate of political heavyweights Sonia Gandhi, L K Advani, H D Deve Gowda and Jaswant Singh will be decided today.
As soon as the polling began, Maoists exploded a landmine near a booth at Biramdih in West Bengal's Purulia district, injuring two Central paramilitary force jawans.
Three policemen were injured when supporters of two rival candidates clashed and indulged in stone throwing, leading police to open fire in the air to quell them at a booth in Mongra in Bihar's Katihar district.
Voting began on moderate to brisk note in 107 constituencies in the third round of the five-phased elections and would end at 1700 hrs.
While Bihar registered 10 to 12% voter turnout, Sikkim saw 15% of turnout in the initial hours. Elections to Sikkim assembly is also being held today. Maharashtra recorded five to 10% of polling in the first three hours, while 10% voters in Madhya Pradesh cast their ballot.
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