Bihar: Second phase of panchayat polls underway amid tight security

Amid tight security, the second phase of the panchayat polls in Bihar began on Thursday. The polling began at 7 a.m. and will continue till 5 p.m.

The state Election Commission has made security arrangements for peaceful, free and fair panchayat polls.

The 10 phase three-tier panchayat poll is being held to elect a total of 1161 members of zilla parishads, 11496 members of panchayat samitis, mukhiyas and sarpanchs in 8392 gram panchayats and 114733 members each in gram panchayat and gram kutcheries.

The first phase of polling was held on April 24, while the rest of the 8 phases are scheduled to be held on May 2, 6, 10, 14, 18, 22, 26 and 30.

The State Election Commission has established a control room which would be functional on polling days from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Altogether 50,000 armed personnel have been reportedly deployed for the first phase of 10-phase Bihar panchayat elections commencing.