Estimated 65 pc polling in the second phase in HP

Shimla, Dec 19 (UNI) An estimated 65 per cent of the electorate today exercised their franchise in the second and final phase of polling for 65 assembly seats in Himachal Pradesh, according to preliminary reports.

The polling, held under tight security, was by and large peaceful.

Voting, which began on a sedate note at 0800 hrs, picked up as the day progressed.

Election officials appeared to be relaxed as the weather cleared this morning.

Polling had already taken place for three tribal seats of Bharmaur, Lahaul and Spiti, and Kinnaur on November 14.

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh, BJP's chief ministerial candidate Prem Kumar Dhumal and state Congress president Vidya Stokes were prominent among the 335 candidates in the fray.

Counting of votes will be taken up on December 28.

UNI