85 p c polling in first phase Local Bodies in UT

Pondicherry, June 24 (UNI) An estimated 85 per cent of the over 1.52 lakh electorates exercised their franchise in the first phase of the three-phased local body elections in the Union Territory of Pondicherry today.

Polling was peaceful with no incidents reporting from any regions.

Yanam region recorded the highest poll percentage of 92.41 followed by Karaikal with 84 per cent. Details from Mahe region was awaited since the people turned up in the queue were being allowed to cast their votes even after 1700 hrs, the time to close the polling.

Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam municipalities and five communce panchayats in Karaikal region went to polls today to decide the fate of 962 candidates.

Adequate security arrangements were made to ensure law and order during polling utilising the service of the Rapid Action Force and Indian Reserve Battalion personnel.

Elections to the Pondicherry and Ozhukarai municipalities and Villianur commune panchayats would be held on June 27 in the second phase while four commune panchayats in Pondicherry region would go to the polls in the third and final phase on July one.

UNI PAB ROY SRS KN1836