India, June 16 -- The state election commission (SEC) has begun preparations for the polls to over 687 local bodies, expected to be held from October onwards. The polls are likely to be held in two to three phases and may have separate counting of votes for each phase.

Preceding the polls will be the delimitation of wards. According to the state government programme, the municipal corporations, including the BMC, are expected to complete the exercise by September 4, while D-class municipal corporations, municipal councils and nagar panchayats have to do this by September 1. The SEC will then hold hearings of all stakeholders.

Once the ward boundaries are finalised by the SEC, the booth-wise number of voters is ascertained, followed by t...