Poll postponed: Vizianagaram mayoral candidates get more time to campaign

TDP mayoral candidate Avanapu Bhargavi addressed the people in Gajularega of Vizianagaram. TDP MLA Aditi Vijayalakshmi also seen. | Photo credit: ARRANGEMENT

VIZIANAGARAM:

The State Election Commission’s (SEC) decision to temporarily postpone local body elections on the Supreme Court’s directive has been a blessing in disguise for mayoral candidates in Vizianagaram.

As per the earlier plan, candidates had only five days, from October 21 to 26, to campaign in all 62 divisions of the city corporation. The limited time presented a challenge especially for the many independent and mayoral candidates of small parties who were unknown to people in the city.

Political analysts said the likely postponement would benefit the candidates, allowing them to rework their strategies and prepare an action plan to appeal to voters across all divisions.

A mayoral candidate said, “In the previous elections, mayors were elected indirectly. So the corporators only concentrated on their respective divisions. But now, as the elections will be held through the direct system, candidates need more time to get nearly 2.23 million votes. The postponement provides an opportunity to plan campaigns systematically.”

The postponement decision also gave some respite to the district officials as they are busy with Sirimanotsavam scheduled on October 27. Over the past week, officials have faced many difficulties as they have been forced to juggle election work and duties and arrangements for the Sirimanotsavam festival, which is expected to attract nearly 2.5 million people.

“Temporarily postponing the elections will allow officials to focus on making proper arrangements for Sirimanotsavam,” a senior official said.

Published – 22 Oct 2026 20:10 IST