Vijayawada Gears Up For Civic Elections, Orders Strict Enforcement Of Poll Code

Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC) commissioner H.M. Dhyanachandra has directed officials to complete all arrangements for the municipal elections on time. He ordered that the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) be strictly enforced. Violators of code have been warned of stringent action.

Following the State Election Commission's issue of poll notification and schedule, Dhyanachandra held teleconferences with department heads on Wednesday to review election preparedness, allocation of duties, and implementation of poll code. He directed officials to ensure that every polling station has drinking water, electricity, fans, and ramps. He underlined that field-level inspections must be conducted to identify and rectify deficiencies well before the polling day. Officials should discharge their assigned responsibilities efficiently and coordinate across departments to ensure smooth conduct of the elections.

As part of the MCC enforcement, officials have been asked to immediately cover statues of political leaders and remove political posters, banners, and other campaign material. He directed officials to enforce the 100-metre restriction on election campaigning around polling stations.

Additional commissioner A. Ravindra Rao, nodal officer for election management, has been asked to coordinate with all departments and continuously monitor preparations. Additional commissioner (Projects) D. Chandrasekhar will ensure that technical infrastructure required for webcasting are ready in advance.

Chief city planner G. Ratna Kumar has been asked to arrange printing material and vehicles according to designated routes. Veterinary assistant surgeon Devina Harish will complete training for polling personnel within the stipulated time, while chief engineer P. Satya Kumari is to ensure that essential infrastructure at polling stations is available.

Dhyanachandra explained that the city is simultaneously hosting Dasara Sharannavaratri celebrations, the Saras Mela and Vijayawada Utsav. He directed officials not to neglect these programmes while making preparations for the elections.

While emphasising that election duties are a priority, he said routine civic services and day-to-day operations must continue without disruption. He called for constant vigilance, interdepartmental coordination, and timely completion of all assigned tasks to ensure that elections are conducted smoothly and without lapses.