India, Jan. 16 -- With polling progressing slowly in the first half of the day, political parties intensified efforts to bring voters to polling stations in the afternoon and evening during the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections on Thursday.

Election officials reported a turnout of just under 15 per cent till 11.30 am, triggering concerns among candidates across parties.

According to figures released by the State Election Commission, voter turnout stood at 14.92 per cent between 7.30 am and 11.30 am. This increased to 26.28 per cent by 1.30 pm and further rose to 36.95 per cent by 3.30 pm.

Mahesh Wabale, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate, said the slow start came as a surprise. "As the elections are being held after a gap ...