K'taka: First phase of gram panchayat elections begins

Manipal: The first phase of gram panchayat elections in the State began today (December 22). Polling is taking place in 3,019 gram panchayats in 117 taluks of the State.

Voting began at 7 am and will continue until 5 in the evening. People in coastal Karnataka were seen arriving at polling station early in the chilly morning.

Due to the threat of COVID-19 infection, voting is being carried out with appropriate precautions. Proper police presence was seen everywhere as CrPC Section 144 has been imposed in polling areas.

The State Election Commission is conducting the election for 5,728-gram panchayats in two phases.