Tomorrow, May 4, marks the commencement of the first phase of urban municipal polls in the state of Uttar Pradesh. During the municipal polling, a total of 7,593 representatives, consisting of 10 mayors and 820 municipal corporations (Parshads), will be elected by the people in 37 districts of the state, including Lucknow, Varanasi, Gorakhpur and Prayagraj.

Apart from the polling for corporator and mayoral positions during the first phase of the municipal elections, the electorate will also exercise their voting rights to determine the outcomes of 275 nagar panchayat chairpersons and 3,645 nagar panchayat members.

Thus, adequate security measures have been put in place in all the respective districts for the smooth conduct of the election.

The second phase of urban municipal polling in the remaining districts of the state is slated to be held on May 11. This two-phase election is considered a significant test for parties in advance of next year's Lok Sabha polls.

In addition, the counting process for both phases will occur on May 13. To ensure safety and security, patrolling has been increased in the districts where polling is set to take place on Thursday, as well as around the polling centers.

-With inputs from IANS