In Bihar, polling for the Ninth Phase of Panchayat Elections in the state is underway amidst tight security. Polling, which began at 7 a.m., will continue till 5 p.m. Polling is being held in 53 blocks spread over 35 districts including Patna, Saran, Munger and  Darbhanga today. In all, 97 thousand 878 candidates are in the fray. Polling is being held for 26 thousand five hundred 831 posts including Mukhia, Sarpanch and Panchyat members.<br />''<br />''<span style="color: #222222;">For the first time, EVMs are being used in Panchayat Polls in the state which is being held in eleven phases. Three thousand 368 candidates have already been elected unopposed. Counting of votes will take place on 1st and 2nd of December.</span><br />