Bugle sounded for Guntur panchayat polls

Polling to be held in three phases; counting of votes on the same day

The bugle for panchayat elections was sounded in the district. The election notification would be issued on July 9. With the release of election schedule, code of conduct has come into effect.

Since the elections are taking part just a year before the general elections, political parties are bracing up for a showdown. The results could well indicate the trends before the general elections.

Though the elections are being contested irrespective of parties, a keen triangular contest is anticipated.

The elections in a politically sensitive district are being watched keenly.

Polling would be held on July 23 in villages under Tenali revenue division, July 27 in villages under Guntur Revnue division and July 31 in villages under Narsaraopet Revenue Division. Polling would be held in 1,010 villages in the district. The results would be declared on the same day.

An estimated 22,66,978 voters would exercise their franchise on the polling day. Polling would be held in 10, 670 polling centres in the district.

District Collector S. Suresh Kumar has warned that criminal cases would be registered against the violators of election code. Official ceremonies, functions would cease from Wednesday. The Collector said that all necessary formalities like, appointment of returning officer and assistant returning officer have been completed.

Polling would be held through ballot and the district administration has completed printing of ballot papers. The Election Commission of India has selected 66 symbols. Since the elections are held irrespective

Sensitive villages

Mr. Suresh Kumar said that they have identified 620 sensitive villages and adequate arrangements would be made to conduct the polling in a peaceful manner. Orders have been issued for closure of belt shops in the district.

He also warned against auction of sarpanch posts and warned that severe action would be taken against violators.

Joint Collector D. Muralidhar Reddy held training sessions with the staff and asked them to be geared up for the election.