Overview
- Phase one of the consolidated municipal poll began on Wednesday, Sept 9, with voting in 162 urban local bodies and more than 20,600 candidates contesting roughly 5,393 councillor seats.
- Officials say about 57.5 lakh voters can cast ballots at over 7,000 booths; phase two is scheduled for Sept 11 and counting for councillor posts is set for Sept 14.
- Seventy‑seven seats were filled unopposed before voting, with the BJP winning 44, Congress 16 and independents 17, a pre‑poll advantage that could shape board formation through post‑poll alliances.
- Authorities deployed tightened security and a State Election Commission control room to handle complaints, while isolated EVM malfunctions in Alwar, Sawai Madhopur and Jodhpur caused technical stoppages, long queues and local protests at polling stations.
- Young voters under 35 make up a large share of the electorate and parties have fielded many under‑40 and Gen Z candidates, making youth turnout a pivotal factor in interpreting the poll as a mid‑term test for state and national party strength.