Polling for 6971 gram panchayats in the second phase of elections has begun.
Polling was initially scheduled to be held in 7038 panchayats on Saturday, but elections in 67 villages have been postponed till July 31 for several reasons.
Elections are taking place amidst tight security.
Polling began at 7 a.m. and will end at 1 p.m. Counting of votes will take place from 2 p.m. onwards.
Over 20,000 candidates are contesting for the post of sarpanch, while more than 1,50,00000 voters will exercise their franchise in about 78,000 polling stations.
Over 1,38000 candidates are in the fray for over 58000 ward member posts.
