Municipal polls held peacefully in Nellore district

The municipal elections in Nellore district concluded peacefully on Sunday with a voter turnout of nearly 57.72%. Far exceeding expectations, 2.82 lakh out of 4.89 lakh eligible voters participated in the 72 polling stations spread across the city. The Nellore Municipal Corporation (NMC) elections were held beyond 7 p.m. in several stations, with no reports of violence or disruptions.

Disagreements between the ruling YSRCP and the opposition TDP emerged in the Nellore city 27th division, but these were quickly resolved with police intervention.

State Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy and Minor Irrigation and Urban Development Minister Ponguru Narayana participated in the process. Notable figures like MP Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy, his spouse, and Buchireddypalem MLA Vemireddy Prashanti Reddy also cast their votes in the 27th division.

District Election Officer and Commissioner Himanshu Shukla personally inspected the polling stations on a motorcycle, ensuring the process ran smoothly. Despite rainfall in certain areas, citizens braved the weather to exercise their democratic right to vote. In an unusual sight, a woman arrived at the 4th Mile Centre High School polling station in Navalakula Thota wearing her wedding attire to vote shortly after her marriage.

The election staff safely stored the ballot boxes in strong rooms set up at DKW College following polling hours. Following the polls, District Collector and Municipal Commissioner inspected the strong rooms and emphasized the importance of vigilance among the officials. A similar inspection process occurred in Atmakur Municipality, where 19,389 of 26,529 voters cast their ballots, and in Buchireddypalem Municipality, where 21,926 out of 36,438 voters participated.