Security has been heightened in Guntur district as 1,827 police personnel have been deployed for the polling in 13 mandals, where voting is scheduled for 13 Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency (ZPTC) and 193 Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency (MPTC) seats on Thursday, Guntur District Collector and District Election Officer C.M. Saikanth Varma said, adding that arrangements had been made to conduct the elections transparently and peacefully.He announced that the polling will be held as scheduled in Kakumanu, Pedanandipadu and Phirangipuram mandals on Thursday.
The move comes after it was proposed that the polling in these three mandals would be postponed due to the flooding triggered by Cyclone Murasu and swollen streams disrupted road connectivity.As rain had since subsided and access arrangements were being restored, the elections would be conducted as scheduled., he said, appealing to voters and political parties to cooperate and urging voters to exercise their franchise.Road restoredSuperintendent of Police Vakul Jindal said roads were being repaired in coordination with departments concerned. Electricity, webcasting facilities and other infrastructure were being provided at polling stations.
Tractors would be used, where necessary, to transport polling personnel and election material through stretches inaccessible to ordinary vehicles.The police deployment comprises two Additional SPs, 11 DSPs, 34 inspectors, 75 sub-inspectors and other police and support personnel. It includes 68 route mobile parties, 29 striking forces and 14 special striking forces.
Of 724 polling stations at 367 locations, 171 stations are hyper-sensitive, 108 sensitive and 445 normal.Mr. Jindal directed personnel to remain impartial, prevent inducements and enforce restrictions around polling stations.
Special surveillance would be maintained in sensitive areas. The SAMARTH app and emergency SOS facility would be used for coordination.
Polling will continue until 5 p.m., with voters in queues at closing time allowed to vote with the presiding officer’s permission. Published - November 04, 2026 08:31 pm IST