In West Bengal, over 45 percent polling was recorded in first four hours of voting in six Parliamentary seats, four of which are located in the former Maoist hotbed of Jangalmahal.

Voting, which began at 7.00 AM, is going on peacefully in Medinapur, Jhargram, Bankura, Bishnupur, Purulia and Asansol.

Our Kalkota correspondent reports that unprecedented security arrangements are in place in Junglemahal area covering West Midnapur, Bankura and Purulia districts. Three helicopters have been pressed into service for air surveillance.

Voting in six assembly segments in Maoist hit areas will continue till 4 pm. However, in other places polling will be held as per normal schedule.