Amid air surveillance and tight security, polling for the first of five phases of assembly elections passed off peacefully in Jharkhand.

Indian voters have started to cast their final ballots in the country's marathon elections, with analysts predicting a shaky coalition government that will struggle to survive a full term.

An estimated 10 to 12 per cent voters exercised their franchise till 10 am in Bihar where polling began in 11 parliamentary constituencies in the third phase on Thursday morning."The polling is reported to be peaceful so far amid tight security arrangements," ADGP (Headquarters) Nelmani said.