Pathanamthitta, (Kerala) Dec 01: An estimated 40 per cent polling was recorded in the first four hours of voting in the by-election to the Thiruvalla assembly constituency today.
Starting on a slow pace, polling picked up in an hour in Thiruvalla town and adjoining Panchayats.

"The voting is taking place smoothly and no untoward incident has been reported from anywhere," revenue divisional officer Jose told a news agency.
The polling was delayed for about 30 minutes in Peringara Panchayat due to a snag in the electronic voting machine.

Among those who cast their vote included UDF candidate Elizabeth Mammen and BJP aspirant Prathapa Chandra Varma.

Bureau Report