Eight civic bodies in North Andhra ready for polls on Nov 1

Eight civic bodies in North Andhra districts of Vizianagaram, Srikakulam and Parvatipuram-Manyam are prepared for municipal elections on November 1. Despite unfavorable weather conditions, officials anticipate a good turnout and are optimistic about clear skies on election day. Vizianagaram Collector S. Ramsundar Reddy and election observer Tej Bharat are among senior officials who have organized extensively for the polls.

They have instructed polling officials and staff to arrive at their designated polling stations as soon as possible to ensure smooth conduct. In Vizianagaram municipal corporation, approximately 223,000 voters will cast their ballots at 229 polling stations across 62 divisions. A total of 1,649 polling officials and staff will manage the election process.

Seven candidates are competing for the mayoral position, while nearly 220 are running as corporators in the 62 divisions. Bobbili, another historical town, is also prepared for voting. Fifty-nine polling officials and employees will oversee elections at 69 stations. In Nellimarla, close to Vizianagaram, 173 polling staff will supervise voting at 24 booths.

Political parties, including NDA partners TDP, JSP and BJP, and the YSRCP, are actively distributing voter slips across wards in the three towns. The YSRCP, which won all three civic bodies in the 2021 elections, aims to secure another victory despite setbacks, such as the departure of top leaders to rival parties. In Srikakulam district, the administration has made preparations for elections in Palasa and Ichchapuram, districts severely impacted by Cyclone Arnab.

Elections will also take place in Saluru, Parvatipuram and Palakonda in Parvatipuram-Manyam district. Srikakulam Collector N. Prabhakar Reddy stated that police, revenue and other departments have taken necessary steps to ensure seamless polling, particularly in the district's hilly areas.