📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Sujay2026
Politics
Over 1.06 crore voters cast ballots in 22 Zila Parishads and 124 Panchayat Samitis today
✍️ Bhaskar English
🗓 28 Oct 2026, 08:04 AM
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Around 1.06 crore voters are heading to the polls today to elect representatives in 22 Zila Parishads and 124 Panchayat Samitis, with 8,404 candidates contesting.
The first phase of the rural local body elections is underway today, covering 22 Zila Parishads and 124 Panchayat Samitis across several states. More than 1.06 crore eligible voters have been called to the booths to choose among 8,404 candidates vying for seats in these grassroots institutions.
These elections form a crucial part of the nationwide Panchayat election cycle, aimed at strengthening local self‑governance. The Zila Parishad, the district‑level body, and the Panchayat Samiti, the block‑level body, together manage development programs, infrastructure projects and welfare schemes at the rural level.
Election officials have deployed additional security and polling personnel to ensure a smooth voting process. Voter turnout will be closely monitored, as the results are expected to influence the political landscape in rural constituencies ahead of upcoming state and national elections.
The Election Commission has urged citizens to adhere to COVID‑19 protocols while voting, and to report any irregularities at the nearest polling station. The counting of votes is scheduled for later this week, after which the newly elected representatives will assume office.
These elections form a crucial part of the nationwide Panchayat election cycle, aimed at strengthening local self‑governance. The Zila Parishad, the district‑level body, and the Panchayat Samiti, the block‑level body, together manage development programs, infrastructure projects and welfare schemes at the rural level.
Election officials have deployed additional security and polling personnel to ensure a smooth voting process. Voter turnout will be closely monitored, as the results are expected to influence the political landscape in rural constituencies ahead of upcoming state and national elections.
The Election Commission has urged citizens to adhere to COVID‑19 protocols while voting, and to report any irregularities at the nearest polling station. The counting of votes is scheduled for later this week, after which the newly elected representatives will assume office.