17% voting in Maharashtra; naxal bid foiled

Around 17 per cent polling was reported in the first four hours of voting in 13 constituencies of Vidarbha and Marathwada regions of Maharashtra, where an attack by Naxals was foiled in Gadchiroli district.

"There was exchange of fire between security forces and Naxals in Gadchiroli district," state Chief Electoral Officer Debashish Chakravarty told PTI.

"The naxals escaped, leaving behind explosives. Elsewhere, polling is on peacefully," he said.

Altogether 246 candidates, comprising 232 men and 14 women, are in the fray in the first phase.

Bhaskarrao Patil Khatgaonkar, brother-in-law of Chief Minister Ashok Chavan is contesting the Nanded seat of Marathwada region.