WB panchayat polls to be held in five phases: SC

The Supreme Court on Friday said that panchayat polls in West Bengal will be held in five phases starting July 11. The polls will be held between July 11 and 25. While directing the West Bengal government to provide adequate forces for the elections, the apex court asked the state administration to arrange 35000 security personnel for each phase of the polls. The Apex Court also asked the Centre to provide 15000 to 25000 personnel for each phase. The Supreme Court had on Wednesday issued notices to the Central and West Bengal governments on the State Election Commission petition seeking adequate security for holding panchayat elections.