After rain-marred initial low turnout, polling in the Punjab Assembly elections on Tuesday appeared to have picked up with improvement in weather conditions around noon and was largely peaceful barring a few incidents of scuffle.
Till 3 pm, 50 per cent electorate had cast their votes in various constituencies of Punjab.
Latest reports showed that 46 per cent votes had been polled in in Amrtisar, 37 in Nawanshehr, 39 in Hoshiapur, 45 in Patiala, 50 in Fatehgarh Sahib, 50 in Barnala, 46 in Ropar, 43 in Mansa, 67 per cent Mansa, and 52 per cent in Muktsar.
Polling is being conducted for 115 constituencies in Punjab. While Congress has fielded its candidates for all the seats, SAD on 94, and BJP has its nominees on 23 seats.
Elections for Valtoha and Beas constituencies have been postponed following incidents of violence. By and large so far the polling has been peaceful barring a few incidents of minor violence.
Reports also indicated that the lesser turnout was witnessed in the urban areas as compared to the rural constituencies so far.
{{/usCountry}}Reports also indicated that the lesser turnout was witnessed in the urban areas as compared to the rural constituencies so far.
{{/usCountry}}Barring a minor scuffle between the polling agents of SAD and the Congress at Lambi and in Sector 71 of Mohali, the polling was peaceful, official sources said.
The major pol.itical outfits - the ruling Congress and the opposition SAD maintained that the voters were "enthusiastic" to exercise their franchise.