TN civic election: Polling for final phase begins

Amid tight security arrangements, polling for the second and final phase of Tamil Nadu local body elections on Wednesday commenced on a peaceful note.

Nearly 1.31 crore voters are expected to exercise their franchise using conventional ballot papers in 65 municipal corporations, 31 district panchayats, 270 town panchayats, 194 panchayat unions, 50 third grade municipalities and 12,000 village panchayats.

EVMs were used in the first phase elections on Monday in 10 corporations, 60 municipal corporations, 259 town panchayats and 191 panchayat unions.

About 4.11 contestants are in the fray, including arch rivals All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made with around 80,000 police personnel posted on poll duty. Counting of votes will be held on Friday.