"gram-panchayat-elections"

Many Sarpanches had executed development works in their panchayat limits by spending personal money and through loans secured from private lenders at high interest rates

"A clash erupted between workers of TDP and YSRCP in Mettavalasa village of Srikakulam allegedly over social media post related to recent local body polls," said Sub Inspector of Srikakulam Police, M Ahmad.

The election is being held in 12 mandals of Machilipatnam revenue division in Krishna district for 196 Sarpanch posts and 1,440 ward members.

The first phase of polling recorded 84.23 per cent voting.

The gram panchayat election will be held in four phases beginning February 5.