New Delhi: The polling in the by-elections in Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Nagaland, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Karnataka Lok Sabha constituencies went peacefully today (Oct 13, 2004) with moderate to brisk voter turnout; except for some untoward incidents in Uttar Pradesh.

An estimated 20 to 25 per cent voters cast their ballots till 1300-hrs (IST) today (Oct 13, 2004) in the bypoll for Madhepura Lok Sabha constituency where polling was reported to be smooth amid tight security.

About 53 per cent of 3.51 lakh electorates cast their votes in the first four hours for the bypolls in Asifnagar and Siddipet assembly constituencies in Andhra Pradesh.

By-elections to three Assembly constituencies in Nagaland remained by and large peaceful till noon with a voter turnout estimated at 45 to 50 per cent, official sources said.

Two persons were gunned down near a polling booth in Manipuri where EVMs were damaged while one person was injured in poll-related violence in Allahabad as an estimated 25 per cent of the electorate exercised their franchise till noon in Uttar Pradesh during bypolls to one Lok Sabha seat and 12 Assembly constituencies.

The assailants, who arrived in a jeep at Mughalpura village, opened fire at the locals following an altercation killing two persons on the spot, about 300 yards from a polling booth in Mainpuri Lok Sabha Constituency, police said.

Amidst tight security, 20 per cent of the 13.74 lakh electorate cast their votes till noon in the by-election to the Bidar Lok Sabha constituency.

Nearly 23 per cent of the eight lakh electorates cast their votes for the by-elections to the five assembly constituencies in Gujarat during the first four hours of polling, which was peaceful, according to election office sources.