(Embargoed for publication/broadcast after 1700 Hrs)

Pondicherry, JunE 25 (UNI) Electioneering for the second phase of the local body elections in Pondicherry ended at 1700 hrs today.

The first phase of the civic polls, being held here after a gap of 38 years, was conducted in Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam yesterday.

In the second phase on June 27, elections for Pondicherry and Ozhukarai Municipalities and Villianur Commune Panchayats, as many as 3.39 lakh electorate will decide the fate of over 1,104 candidates, including ten candidates for the post of municipality chairmen.

All arrangements for the elections are complete. The authorities have identified sensitive polling booths and extra security being provided by Rapid Action Force and Indian Reserve Battalion personnel besides the Pondicherry Armed Police and the local police.

The Congress is fighting the polls with its Assembly election alliance partners while the AIADMK, PMC, CPM and the BJP are sweating it alone.

While the DMK is taking on the AIADMK for the Post of Chairman, Pondicherry Municipality, the Congress is locking horns with the AIADMK in Ozhukarai Muncipality.

The PMC is contesting for the Pondicherry Municipality. Five candidates, including Congress rebel V Pethaperumal and CPM's T Murugan are in the fray for the Ozhukarai Municipal Chairman Post.

Actor Bhagyaraj (DMK) Former Tamil Nadu Ministers Madhusudanan and Thalavai Sundaram (AIADMK), Chief Minister N Rangasamy and AICC General Secretary V Narayanasamy (Cong) canvassed for their party candidates today.

Elections to four commune panchayats in Pondicherry would be held on July one in the third and final phase. The counting will take place on July three.

UNI PAB GM VV1230