Vizianagaram: Collector, SP Seek Poll Date Change Over Sirimanu Utsavam
The Vizianagaram administration has asked the State Election Commission to reschedule polling and counting for the Vizianagaram Municipal Corporation elections in view of the Sirimanu Utsavam of Sri Pydithalli Ammavaru, scheduled be held on October 27.
Visakhapatnam: The Vizianagaram administration has asked the State Election Commission to reschedule polling and counting for the Vizianagaram Municipal Corporation elections in view of the Sirimanu Utsavam of Sri Pydithalli Ammavaru, scheduled be held on October 27.
The Collector S Ramsunder Reddy and SP AR Damodar told the Election commission that October 29 would be a convenient date for polling.
The Collector said arrangements were being made in advance for receiving and scrutinising nominations, ballot boxes and ballot paper printing, polling, strong rooms and counting of votes.
Special attention was being paid to sensitive, highly sensitive and trouble-prone polling stations, with appropriate security measures being planned.
The Model Code of Conduct came into force on Wednesday, and everyone was required to strictly adhere to the election rules.
The Collector appealed to political parties, candidates and the public to cooperate in ensuring peaceful and transparent elections.
Efforts were being made to achieve 100 per cent polling, and voters were urged to exercise their franchise freely.
District Superintendent of Police AR Damodar said elaborate security arrangements were being made to ensure peaceful elections.
Preventive binding-over proceedings had been initiated against around 20,000 habitual offenders and persons involved in previous disputes.
Sureties ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 3 lakh had been obtained from them, he said, adding that cases would be registered and sureties forfeited if anyone created disturbances during the elections.
The SP warned that large amounts of cash and other valuable goods being transported must be supported by valid documents, failing which they would be seized.
Action would also be taken against those spreading false propaganda or misinformation. Checkposts would begin functioning across the district from Friday.
He appealed to the public to cooperate with the police and ensure that voters could exercise their franchise freely and without fear.