New Delhi: Naxalites in Chattisgarh snatched electronic voting machines (EVMs), as sporadic violence marked polling in Assembly elections to four States with an estimated 25 per cent voters exercising their franchise, amidst tight security, till noon today (Dec 1, 2003).

Balloting began on a dull note in Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh, with the morning chill keeping people indoors, but picked up as the day advanced.

Over four lakh police and para-military personnel stood guard at 1.2 lakh polling stations to ensure peaceful voting for 590 seats up for grabs.

In Chattisgarh, naxalites forcibly took away EVMs in five polling stations in Bijapur Assembly constituency triggering an exchange of fire with police.

While polling in naxal-infested districts in the tribal State, where insurgents have given a boycott call, was subdued. In other areas, long queues were seen outside booths.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Chief Ministers of Delhi, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh were among the early voters.

Among the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stalwarts who exercised their franchise were Chief Ministerial candidates Madan Lal Khurana (Delhi), Vasundhara Raje (Rajasthan) and Uma Bharti (MP).

PTI