Lucknow, Sep 21 (IANS): The notification for the much-awaited panchayat polls in Uttar Pradesh was issued on Monday afternoon.

Addressing a press conference here, State Election Commissioner Satish Agarwal said that polls for block development councils (BDCs) and zila panchayats, involving an electorate of 11.36 crore people, would be held on October 9, 13, 17 and 29. Counting of votes will be done on November 1.

With the four-phase poll schedule being announced, the model code of conduct has come into force with immediate effect. Agarwal, however, announced that the code will be in force in the rural areas only and would in no way halt the ongoing government schemes, projects or meetings like those conducted for review of law and order etc.

He also informed that while they had asked the central government for central paramilitary forces, but the request had been turned down and hence the state police force would be used for security.

While the Bharatiya Janata Party and Congress are contesting the panchayat polls on party symbol, both the Samajwadi Party and the Bahujan Samaj Party will be supporting candidates.