The tallying for elections to 24 urban local bodies—comprising three municipalities and 21 town councils—spanning 10 districts, began at 8 am across 16 centres, according to the State Election Commission.

Alongside his own NDPP party, Dr Murry enjoys backing from a spectrum of political entities including the BJP, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), National People’s Party (NPP), Janata Dal (United), Republican Party of India (Athawale), Naga People’s Front (NPF), and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas).

Interacting with media persons after submitting his papers for the April 19 Lok Sabha poll in the state, Dr Murry said he is confident of winning the election.