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Voting for the third phase of Uttar Pradesh panchayat elections began at 7 am on Monday and will conclude at 6 pm.

She alleged this was part of a conspiracy hatched by the Union home minister.

"It is extremely unfortunate that political battles are thus sought to be fought in this manner instead of being fought in the campaign trail," the EC observed.

The Biswanath constituency in the state has witnessed the highest voting percentage till now, while the Dibrugarh constituency witnessed the lowest voting percentage.

The terms of the legislative assemblies of the four states is coming to an end in May and June.

In the opposition camp, the Left front has outscored its partners with a much better strike rate

The combined voter turnout in the two phases was recorded at 53.79 per cent till 5 PM, Election Commission said