Security has been beefed up in Guntur district as 13 ZPTCs, 193 MPTCs go to polls today

Security has been beefed up in Guntur district as 1,827 policemen have been deployed for polling in 13 mandals where polling is scheduled for 13 Zilla Parishad (ZPTC) seats and 193 Mandal Parishad (MPTC) seats, Guntur District Collector and District Election Officer Saikan said on Thursday to conduct the polls. transparently and peacefully.

He announced that polling will be held as scheduled in Kakumanu, Pedanandipad and Phirangipuram Mandals on Thursday. The move comes after it was suggested that polling in these three mandals would be postponed due to floods caused by Cyclone Murasu and swollen streams disrupting road connectivity.

Since the rain has since subsided and access arrangements have been restored, the election will be held as scheduled, he said, appealing to voters and political parties for cooperation and urging voters to exercise their right to vote.

Road restored

Superintendent of Police Vakul Jindal said that the roads are being repaired in coordination with the concerned departments. Electricity, internet broadcasting equipment and other infrastructure were provided in the polling stations. Tractors would be used, if necessary, to transport election personnel and election materials over sections inaccessible to normal vehicles.

The police deployment includes two additional SZs, 11 DSPs, 34 inspectors, 75 sub-inspectors and other police and support staff. It includes 68 mobile unit routes, 29 strike forces and 14 special strike forces. Out of 724 polling stations in 367 locations, 171 are hypersensitive, 108 are sensitive and 445 are normal.

Mr. Jindal directed staff to remain impartial, prevent incentives and enforce restrictions around polling stations. Special surveillance would be maintained in sensitive areas. SAMARTH app and emergency SOS facility would be used for coordination. Voting will continue until 17:00, voters in the queues at the closing time can vote with the approval of the chairman.

Published – 04 Nov 2026 20:31 IST