Imphal, Apr 22 : About 35 per cent of the electorates exercised their franchise by noon in the Inner Manipur parliamentary constituency in the second phase Lok Sabha polls on Wednesday.

About 40 per cent votes were cast by noon in Thoubal district from where Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh hails, 30 per cent in Bishenpur, 35 per cent in Imphal East and Imphal west district each.

According to sources, polling is underway in all 970 polling booths spread across the valley districts of Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal and Bishenpur.

The polling will decide the fate of seven candidates. The main contest is between M Nara of the Communist Party of India (CPI), Th Chaoba of the Manipur People''s Party and Th Meinya of the Congress.

Other candidates are W Nipamacha of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), A Rahaman (Independent), Nongmaithem Homendro (Independent) and lone woman candidate L Khetrani of the Bahujan Congress Party.

A total of 8.25 lakh voters are expected to cast their votes.

Manipur has two Lok Sabha seat.

Polling for the Outer Manipur seat was held on April 16 during the first phase of polling. (ANI)