BHOPAL, DEC 27: Counting for the 167 local bodies which went to polls during the first phase of civic elections in Madhya Pradesh on December two began at the 0900 hours today amid tight security. Earlier, there was confusion that the death of former president Shankar Dayal Sharma might effect the counting schedule.Unlike the process adopted in the Lok Sabha and assembly elections no separate bundles would be formed for these elections and counting would be taken up immediately after taking out the ballot papers. Separate counting will be done for the mayors of municipal corporations, presidents of nagar palikas and nagar panchayats corporators as the ballot papers for each were of different colours.Results of nagar panchayats and nagar palikas were likely to pour in by afternoon, according to sources. said adding that those for the municipal corporations were expected to be released by the evening.A two-phased election was held for the 373 local bodies in the state on December 22 and 26.Counting for the remaining 206 bodies will be taken up on December 28.Results of almost all the local bodies is likely to be declared by December 29.
