Elections in 209 local bodies begin on brisk note

Bangalore, Sep 28 (UNI) Election to 209 local bodies began today on a brisk note with 25 to 30 per cent polling reported by noon.

Barring stray incidents of confusion over voters list, allegations of bogus voting, the polling was progressing peacefully in the entire state, official sources said.

Bharatiya Janata Party, Congress and Janata Dal (S) are involved in a triangular contest in seven city corporations, 44 city municipal councils, 93 town municipal councils and 65 town panchayats.

Elaborate security arrangements had been made with over 75,000 security personnel deployed for peaceful conduct of polls. This included civil policemen, district armed reserve police, KSRP and home guards.

A total of 18,195 aspirants are in the fray in 4920 wards involving over 90 lakh voters. Over 50,000 polling staff had been deployed, state Election Commission officials said.

UNI