India, Feb. 24 -- Around 51 per cent of the 43 lakh odd voters exercised their franchise till 3 pm in the civic polls to 48 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs)in Jharkhand on Monday, an election official said. Voting, which commenced at 7 am, is underway amid tight security.

"Voter turnout of 50.61 per cent was recorded till 3 pm. Polling is peaceful," State Election Commission (SEC) secretary Radhe Shyam Prasad said.

Seraikela Nagar Panchayat recorded the highest turnout of 63.20 per cent, while Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) registered the lowest at 34.16 per cent, followed by Dhanbad Municipal Corporation at 36.60 per cent. Over 43 lakh voters are eligible to decide the fate of 6,000-plus candidates.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren and his Ka...