Campaigning is in full swing for elections to civic bodies in Jammu and Kashmir [Images], being held after a gap of 27 years, with the ruling coalition partners and opposition parties holding several rallies across the state.

The ruling People's Democratic Party and Congress have organised rallies in Srinagar [Images], Anantnag and Baramulla during the last few days while the opposition National Conference staged rallies in Srinagar.

For the first time one third of the seats have been reserved for women.

Apart from those reserved, a government spokesperson said, women can also contest other seats.

The elections will start on February 1.