Polling for Assembly Elections for 288 seats in Maharashtra and 90 seats in Haryana concluded peacefully yesterday. Bye-Elections were also held in Satara and Samastipur Lok Sabha seats and 51 Assembly seats across 17 states. Over 60 per cent polling was recorded in Maharashtra while in Haryana nearly 68.30 per cent of voters exercised their franchise. Deputy Election Commissioner Sandeep Saxena told reporters in New Delhi that the voting percentage is likely to increase.<br />''<br />'' Deputy Election Commissioner Umesh Sinha said that the polling was by and large peaceful and smooth in both the states. He said voting in Naxal-affected areas was also peaceful. <br />''<br />'' In Maharashtra, the BJP has contested on 164 seats, which include candidates of smaller allies, while Sena fielded candidates on 124 seats. The Congress contested on 147 seats while its ally NCP on 121. Among other parties, BSP fielded candidates in 262 constituencies and MNS fielded 101 candidates. A total of 1400 Independents also contested.<br />''<br />'' In Haryana, total 1,169 candidates including 104 Women were in the fray. Both BJP and Congress contested on all 90 seats, while Indian National Lok Dal fielded candidates 81 seats in alliance with Shiromani Akali Dal.<br />''<br />'' Counting of votes in the Maharashtra Assembly elections will be taken up on Thursday and is scheduled to be concluded the same day.  All preparations are in place for the counting of votes in the state to be held on Thursday. In the three-tier security system, the 1,12,328 used EVMs and VVPAT machines are under 24-hour CCTV surveillance. The Administration too has geared up for counting of votes, 48 counting centres have been set up in the headquarters of all the Assembly constituencies. The entire counting process will be video recorded. <br />