Jaipur, Oct 22: Polling for the first phase of Panchayati Raj elections in Rajasthan concluded on Thursday, even though some villages boycotted the polls over local issues.
Long queues were seen at polling stations across villages in the state as voter turnout was recorded at 63 per cent, according to election officials.
The panchayat elections being held a month after the urban local body polls are being seen as another important test of strength for the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress ahead of the assembly elections due towards the end of 2028.
Polling began at 7 am across 16 districts to elect members of 16 zila parishads and 104 panchayat samitis.
The overall voter turnout stood at 63 per cent till 6 pm, the officials said. Final polling percentage is yet to be declared. (PTI)