Srinagar, May 20 : An estimated 45.22 percent of 17.32 lakh voters have exercised their franchise till 3 pm in the Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency during the fifth Phase of Lok Sabha election on Monday.

An official spokesman said the highest number of 53.06 percent votes was polled at Handwara, 50.97 percent at Langate, 50.20 percent at Uri, 48.17 percent at Karnah, 47.48 percent at Rafiabad and 46.97 percent at Lolab till 1500 hours.

Sopore Segment of the Baramulla constituency recorded the lowest 31.11 percent during the period.

Similarly 46.86 percent votes were polled at Bandipora, 39.44 percent at Baramulla, 46 percent at Budgam, 44.99 percent at Gulmarg, 35.02 percent at Gurez, 43.02 percent at Pattan, 46.55 percent at Sonawari, 47.17 percent at Trehgam and 40.45 percent at Wagoora-Kreeri.

The voters will decide the fate of the 22 candidates who are in the fray for the Baramulla Lok Sabha Seat and among them the prominent candidates are National Conference Vice president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Peoples Conference Chairman Sajad Lone, Peoples Democratic Party candidate Fayaz Mir and jailed Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) chief Abddul Rashid Sheikh alias Engineer Rsahid who is contesting as an independent candidate from the prestigious seat.

UNI