20.87 per cent polling in Jharkhand till 11 am

An estimated 20.87 per cent of the 45.26 lakh electorate cast their votes till 11 am on Monday in three Lok Sabha constituencies of Jharkhand, in the first phase of elections in the state.

Women voters were seen in large numbers at many booths in Lohardaga (ST), Palamu (SC) and Chatra constituencies, where voting began at 7 am, election officials said.

Ranchi Sadar Sub-divisional officer Garima Singh presented a citation to a woman, who became the first voter to turn up at a booth in Lohardaga constituency, they said.

The election officials said all preparations have been made to ensure fear and free polling till 4 pm.

There are a total of 6,072 polling stations for the three seats, where 25,727 polling personnel have been deputed.

Police said there was no untoward incident reported so far from any part of the three constituencies.

A total of 45,26,693 voters will decide the fate of 59 candidates, including two women.

Union Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Sudarshan Bhagat is among the prominent candidates contesting from Lohardaga. He is facing Sukhdeo Bhagat, a Congress MLA and 'Mahagathbandhan' candidate.