48 percent polling in Jharkhand till 1 p.m.: Reports

About 48 percent polling has reportedly been recorded till 1 p.m. in Jharkhand, and about 35 percent polling has been recorded in Jammu and Kashmir in the first phase of assembly elections in these two states.

Nearly 33.5 lakh voters in Jharkhand are exercising their franchise to seal the fate of 199 candidates from different political parties and Independents in this phase today.

According to reports, the administration has made all the necessary arrangements for a peaceful poll, and shoot- at- sight order has also been issued for those who try to create violence and loot the booths.

In Jammu and Kashmir, fifteen assembly segments of the state are going to polls in the first phase. This includes all four assembly seats of Ladakh, five seats in Kashmir and six seats in Jammu region.

A total of 10,502,50 voters, including 5,49,698 males and 5,00,539 females, besides 13 transgenders are eligible to exercise their right to franchise in the first phase of the polls.

Counting of votes in the both the states will take place on December 23.