Peaceful polling has been reported for by-elections to 18 Assembly seats spread over four states of Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka and Punjab.

In Bihar, over 46 per cent voting has been reported for the 10 Assembly seats that went to polls today.

BJP has fielded candidates at 9 seats, while giving one seat to its alliance partner Lok Janshakti Party.

On the other hand, the Janata Dal (United) and the Rashtriya Janata Dal are contesting from four seats each, whereas the Congress has fielded its candidates from two seats.

Prestige is at stake for both the BJP-led NDA and the newly formed grand alliance of the JD(U), RJD and Congress.

In Madhya Pradesh, over 60 per cent voters turnout was reported till 5 p.m. for the three Assembly seats of Bahoriband, Vijayraghogarh and Agar.

A total of 25 candidates are in the fray. Announcement of final voting turnout by the election office is expected later this evening.

In Karnataka, 71 to 86 per cent polling has been reported from three Assembly Constituencies of Shikkaripur, Bellary and Chikkodi-Sadalaga seats.

In Punjab, 65 to 70 per cent votes have been polled in the two Assembly seats of Patiala Urban and Talwandi Sabo.

The two seats are witnessing triangular contest among Shiromani Akali Dal, Congress and Aam Aadmi Party candidates.

The counting of votes will be taken up on the 25th of this month.