Tight Security Arrangements for Kadapa ZPTC and MPTC Polling

The TDP-led alliance has already secured a strong position in the Kadapa district local body elections, paving the way for it to capture the Zilla Parishad chairperson post. Of the total 39 ZPTC seats, candidates in 23 constituencies were elected unanimously, giving the alliance the required strength. Similarly, alliance candidates have been elected unopposed in 350 of the 405 MPTC seats, putting 34 Mandal Parishad president posts within its reach. Against this backdrop, polling is being held on Thursday for the remaining 16 ZPTC and 55 MPTC seats. While the TDP-led alliance is aiming to consolidate its position, the YSRCP is striving to protect its standing in the district.

A total of 5,94,099 voters are eligible to cast their votes, including 4,47,809 voters in ZPTC constituencies and 1,46,290 in MPTC constituencies. As many as 242 candidates, comprising 71 ZPTC and 171 MPTC contestants, are in the fray. Polling is being conducted at 599 centres, with 3,912 personnel deployed, including 599 presiding officers, 599 assistant presiding officers and 2,396 other polling staff. Webcasting has been arranged at 292 centres. Of the total polling stations, 134 have been identified as sensitive, 167 as highly sensitive and five as problematic, prompting additional security measures. Police arrangements include 37 Circle Inspectors, 76 Sub-Inspectors and 1,027 constables under the supervision of seven DSPs. Polling will continue from 7 AM to 5 PM on Thursday, repolling will be held on Friday if required, and counting will begin at 8 AM on Saturday. The contest covers mandals across the Badvel, Jammalamadugu, Kadapa, Pulivendula and Rajampet divisions.