16 per cent polling registered within three hours

Bangalore, May 16 (UNI) Brisk polling reported with 16 per cent turnout registered during the first three hours of beginning of second phase of polling for 66 Assembly seats spread in 10 Districts of Karnataka today.

On the backdrop of Naxalistes killing two in Udupi District last night, the authorities have deployed additional para-miltary forces in Karkala and Udupi.

Chief Electoral Officer M N Vidyashankar told UNI that "no untoward incident reported since the beginning of second phase polling and it is picking up in almost all the 12,286 booths." So far, the naxal inflicted Udupi district has registered highest 21 per cent in the first three hours, while polling is yet to pick up in Bellary (9 Percent) where 'Mine Kings' fighting the battle.

BJP Chief Ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa was among the first voters to exercise their franchise.

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