In Chattisgarh, the first phase of polling for the Panchayat bodies begins on Thursday.<br/><br/>More than 84,000 candidates are in the fray for the posts of Panch, Sarpanch and Members of Janpadh and Zila Panchayats in 49 blocks of 17 districts of the state.<br/><br/>About 37 lakh voters will exercise their franchise in today voting to choose their local leaders.<br/><br/>Adequate security arrangements have been made especially in the naxal hit Bastar division of the state for its smooth conduct of the polls.<br/><br/>It may be mentioned here that the panchayat elections in the state are being held in three phases. The second phase will be held on the 31st of January and the third and final phase will take place on 3rd of February.<br/>