Four-cornered fight in graduates’ MLC poll

VISAKHAPATNAM: Notwithstanding allegations of misuse of power and breach of election code, all major parties are set for the north Andhra graduates’ MLC election which is predicted to be a quadrangular contest between the ruling YSRC, the main opposition TDP, sitting MLC of BJP, and Progressive Democratic Front candidate supported by 200 plus employees, students, and others associations.
The election campaign ended at 4 pm on Saturday. Polling would be held from 8 am to 4 pm on March 13, Monday. Counting of votes would be held on March 16, Thursday. Elaborate security arrangements have been planned by the police department. Around 4,500 police personnel would be on duty.
It may be recalled that the previous election in 2017 witnessed a turnout of 69.78% as 1.08 lakh voters out of the total 1.55 lakh exercised their franchise. BJP candidate supported by TDP, PVN Madhav, won the election. This time, the number of voters has increased to 2.89 lakh.
The six north Andhra districts have a total of 331 polling stations, of which 112 are in Visakhapatnam, 72 in Vizianagaram, 59 in Srikakulam, and 49 in Anakapalli. The tribal districts - Parvathipuram Manyam (24) and Alluri Sitarama Raju (14) - have relatively smaller number of polling stations. Among them, 27 polling stations are identified as sensitive including 12 in Parvathipuram Manyam and 15 in Alluri districts, mostly naxal-affected areas.
A total of 2,038 polling personnel would be on duty including 393 polling officers. The authorities have arranged webcasting in all 331 polling stations. Visakhapatnam district has 40 polling stations that have more than 1,100 voters.
YSRC candidate Sitamraju Sudhakar expressed confidence that he would win with a thumping majority. Meanwhile, PDF candidate Dr. Koredla Ramaprabha said the ruling party has been luring the voters through various means. TDP candidate Chiranjeevi Rao expressed confidence that the wave is in his favour, while sitting MLC Madhav said the BJP government at the centre has done many development works in AP, especially in north AP.