LS Polls Phase 2: Bihar Polls 4.5% Till 8AM, Faulty VVPATs in Maha
Voting in 42 constituencies across nine states for the second phase of the Lok Sabha polls began on 18 April, amid reports of EVM malfunctioning in West Bengal, Assam and Uttar Pradesh.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged people to exercise their franchise to 'strengthen the democracy'.
10 seats in Maharashtra, eight in Uttar Pradesh, five each in Assam, Bihar and Odisha, three each in Chhattisgarh and West Bengal, two in J&K and one seat in Manipur is polling today.
For live updates on polling in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, click here.
Catch all the live updates for constituencies voting in South India here.
EVM, VVPAT Malfunctioning in 5 Booths in Beed, Machines Changed
District Magistrate of Beed in Maharshtra has said that there have been reports of EVM and VVPAT malfunctioning in five booths, since morning. However, the machines have been replaced.
“Five places have reported EVM and VVPAT malfunction since morning in Beed constituency. Those are Georai, Mazalgaon, Kej, Ashti, Parali. However all those machines have been replaced immediately and polling is going smoothly at all locations,” he said.
Manipur Governor Najma Heptulla Casts Vote
Manipur’s governor Najma Heptulla cast her vote at a polling booth in Imphal in Manipur on Thursday.
Bihar Polls 4.5% Votes Till 8 AM
The five seats in Bihar have polled 4.5% votes till 8 am. Bhagalpur has recorded 7% votes, while Banka, Purnea and Katihar polled 4%. Kishanganj recorded 3.5% voting.
VVPAT in Assam Booth Malfunctioning Earlier, Working Now
Voting has begun at polling station number 200 in Silchar where VVPAT was not working properly earlier today, reported news agency ANI. Sahadat Ali, Sector Officer said: "The VVPAT is fine now, people can now cast their votes."
EVM Fault Delays Polls in Agra and Mathura Also
According to reports, voting is yet to start at booth number 201 in Agra and booth number 148 in Mathura due to EVM snags.
More than 100 EVMs were changed during polling hours in the first phase of voting in Uttar Pradesh.