A keen tussle between the YSR Congress Party and the Telugu Desam Party is expected in the election to the Nellore Municipal Corporation for which polling will be held on Sunday.
The police and corporation authorities made elaborate arrangements for the election. The fate of the contestants of major political parties will be decided by the electorate.
The electronic voting machines have been shifted to the respective polling stations amid tight security arrangements.
Both the YSRC and the TDP have taken the municipal corporation election as a prestigious one with both leaders having taken up vigorous campaign till Friday evening.
Of the 54 divisions in the corporation, the YSRC and the TDP have emerged strong contenders for winning an equal number of divisions. Support of two to four corporators from other parties and Independents might become necessary for any party to win the mayoral election.
The police authorities faced a tough time with the leaders of main parties charging each other with using money and liquor to induce voters in the last leg of electioneering. There have been several instances when searches by police on receiving information about money flow have proved futile.
The infighting in the YSRC with different groups working against each other has come as a hurdle for its sure win. Moreover, the Congress candidates in many segments are expected to make a dent into YSRC vote share.
The TDP leadership is expecting to bag majority divisions with the help of strong support from Balija community, which is present in significant numbers in city, and also the Backward Classes.