In Kashmir valley, polling which began on a dull note due to chilly weather conditions and fog in the morning, has started picking up in 16 assembly segments, spread over three districts of Srinagar, Anantnag and Shopian in the fourth phase of five-phased elections. In this phase, polling is being held in 18 assembly segments – 16 in Kashmir valley and two in Samba district of Jammu Divisions. The authorities have made unprecedented security arrangements for free, fair and peaceful polling in these constituencies. Voting started at 8 am at all the 1,890 polling booths.

In Kashmir valley, 10.27 percent polling was recorded up to 10 am in 18 assembly segments, spread over four districts of Srinagar, Anantnag, Shopian and Samba assembly segments. Pahalgam assembly segment in Anantnag district recorded maximum 14.91 percent polling by 10 am followed by 14.53 percent in Dooru assembly segment of Anantnag district.

In Sonawar assembly segment of Srinagar district where Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is contesting this time, recorded 9.13 percent polling till 10 am while from Aanantnag Assembly segment where Peoples Democratic Party patron Mufti Mohamamd Sayeed is contesting, recorded 9.03 percent till 10 am. The authorities have made unprecedented security arrangements for free, fair and peaceful polling in the 18 constituencies going to polls today.

AIR Srinagar correspondent reports that in Sonawar constituency of Srinagar district where J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is contesting, people have started coming out to cast their votes and till 9.30 am, about 400 votes were polled in various polling centers of the constituency. In Anantnag constituency where Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Patron Mufti Mohamamd Sayeed is contesting, people are queuing up in front of polling centers to cast their votes. Long queues could be seen outside majority of polling stations, half an hour before the start of the polling.

In Jharkhand, above 30 percent polling has taken place during first four hours till 11 am. AIR Correspondent reports that maximum 40 percent electorate has exercised their franchise in Sindri assembly segment of Dhanbad district and minimum 19 percent votes have been cast in Bokaro constituency.

Polling is going on under tight security and no untoward incident is reported from anywhere.