In all 204 wards under eight urban local bodies (ULB) will go for polling today in the distric1t, with the highest of 65 wards under Mysore City Corporation (MCC). The polls are a litmus test for a total of 1,071 candidates, including 433 for the MCC.

The ULB polls, considered as a ‘mini political war’, are being closely watched. The elections are also a percussor to the upcoming Assembly polls. What makes it unique, compared to previous elections, is the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) against ballot papers.

The three major political parties — Congress, Janata Dal (Secular) and BJP — are leaving no stone unturned to ensure victory with an absolute majority.

Congress leads in the number of nominees, with the party pitting equal number of candidates for 65 wards, while JD(S) has fielded 64 and BJP 63 candidates. Not to be ignored, fledgling and former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa-led Karnataka Janata Party (KJP) has fielded 52 candidates, while B Sriramulu-led BSR Congress has fielded 46 candidates.

Also, there are 111 Independent candidates in the fray. The other candidates belong to Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI) -17, CPI (M) and Janata Dal (United) one each.

On the eve of polling on Wednesday, mustering process pertaining to the city wards was conducted at Ursu Boarding School grounds on Krishnaraja Boulevard, Baden Powel School near deputy commissioner’s office, and Maharani’s Arts and Science College ground in the city.

Mustering process was held at the respective taluk or hobli headquarters for other local bodies like Nanjangud, Bannur, Hunsur and K R Nagar town municipal councils (TMC) and T Narsipur, H D Kote and Periyapatna town panchayats.

Polling and police personnel on security duty were dispatched to respective polling booths. Electronic voting machines (EVMs) were handed over to the staff after thorough inspection.