Lucknow, May 05: As the polling is underway amidst tight security for the third phase of Lok Sabha elections covering 83 constituencies in seven states, various political bigwigs cast their votes today in their respective constituencies in different states. Among those prominent figures who exercised their franchise were Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee who cast his vote at Bishun Narain Inter College polling booth in Lucknow.
Wearing a white kurta and black waistcoat, Vajpayee exercised his franchise at 0940 hours.
Union HRD Minister and senior BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi exercised his franchise at a Colonel Ganj Inter Colllege polling booth in Allahbad. He was accompanied by his wife Tarla and daughter Priyambad, he arrived at the polling booth at 8.20 am.
Joshi, contesting from Allahabad Lok Sabha constituency for a record fourth consecutive term, later talking to reporters alleged Mulayam Singh government in UP was "misusing official machinery". He urged the Election Commission to stop alleged misuse of the state apparatus by Samajwadi Party, besides intimidation of voters by the party workers. While casting his vote in Bijbehara (Anantnag) in the early hours of polling, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed told reporters that the atmosphere is relaxed for polling. People of the state want peace". Bureau Report