Kothagudem: District Collector Dr. Priyanka Ala revealed that out of the 1,095 polling stations in Kothagudem, 288 were located in Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected regions, with an additional 12 critical polling stations, necessitating heightened security measures for seamless polling. Following the Election Commission of India’s guidelines, polling in LWE-affected areas is scheduled from 7 am to 4 pm.
Dr. Ala detailed the extensive preparations, including educating voters about polling timings and ensuring high voter turnout across the five Assembly segments. A total of 5,288 polling officers, equal numbers of APOs and OPOs, along with 908 reserve staff, have been enlisted. Furthermore, 16 nodal officers and 2,174 police personnel are dedicated to election duties. To bolster vigilance, 16 flying squads, 21 video surveillance teams, and five video viewing teams have been formed.
In the voter registration phase from September 20 to October 31, 26,693 individuals enrolled, with 11,473 applications processed online. The remaining applications are set to be uploaded by November 10, ensuring a comprehensive voter list. Arrangements have been made for nomination submissions at RDO offices in Kothagudem and Bhadrachalam constituencies, as well as tahsildar offices in Aswaraopet, Yellandu, and Pinapaka constituencies. Help desks have been established to assist candidates during the nomination process.
Addressing security concerns, Superintendent of Police Dr. Vineeth G highlighted the stringent actions taken since the enforcement of the election code of conduct. Authorities have seized Rs 2.54 crore unaccounted cash, 32,417 liters of liquor, 2059 kg of drugs, 2635 grams of silver, and 5534 freebies, collectively valued at Rs 4.81 crore. A sum of Rs 191.15 lakh from seized cash has been released in 92 cases, with Rs 18 lakh related to six cases still pending release.
To enhance voter turnout, a special awareness drive has been initiated in 164 polling stations with historically low voter participation during the 2018 elections. Security arrangements are being intensified in problematic areas to ensure voters can exercise their rights without fear. DPRO S Srinivas Rao and other officials were present during the announcement.
