India, Oct. 22 -- Rajasthan Panchayat Election 2026: Voters across Rajasthan headed to polling booths on Thursday as the first phase of the 2026 Panchayati Raj elections began at 7 am, setting the stage for a major contest across rural local bodies. More than 85 lakh eligible voters can choose representatives for zila parishads and panchayat samitis in 16 districts, with thousands of candidates competing for seats that influence local development and civic services.

The first phase covers 2,081 seats, including 293 zila parishad wards and 1,788 panchayat samiti wards. Early polling figures showed turnout rising in several areas by 1 pm, with some panchayat samitis recording participation above 40%. The elections are taking place in three...