Peaceful polling in Vidisha, Malehra

Bhopal, Oct 30 (UNI) Amid tight security, about 20 per cent of the 13.15 lakh voters exercised their franchise in the first four hours today for the by-election in Vidisha Lok Sabha constituency, while 31 per cent of the 1.84 lakh electorate cast their votes for the assembly by-election in Malehra in Madhya Pradesh.

Polling was progressing peacefully in Vidisha and Malehra, Election office sources said today.

More than 12 companies of CRPF were deployed in Vidisha, while three companies each of CRPF and SAF were deployed in Malehra.

In Vidisha Lok Sabha constituency, spread over Vidisha, Sehore and Raisen districts, about 19 per cent voters cast their votes till noon in Budhni assembly segment, 17 per cent in three assembly segments in Raisen district and 15 per cent in four assembly segments of Vidisha district.

Meanwhile, Uma Bharti-led Bharatiya Jan Shakti has lodged complaint with the Election Commission that the workers of ruling BJP were attempting booth capture at Ranital village in Malehra constituency, while BJP workers were trying to ferry voters in vehciles in Baxwaha area.

Vidisha seat fell vacant due to resignation by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, while former Chief Minister Uma Bharti's resignation rendered Malehra vacant.

(Eds: pick up suitably from earlier series) UNI Team-PS-SP 1230