VIJAYAWADA/KAKINADA : After facing a defeat in the Nandyal by-election, the opposition YSRC has its fingers crossed as the results of the Kakinada Municipal Corporation (KMC) is due on Friday. On the other hand, the ruling TDP leaders, who are expecting a repeat of Nandyal in Kakinada too, said that more leaders will shun the Jagan bandwagon to join the yellow party.
The statements being given by the ruling party leaders post Nandyal by-election seems like an indication that the ruling party is set to grab more leaders from the YSRC. “Except for YSRC chief Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, the remaining leaders may leave the party anytime. Nearly 30 YSRC MLAs are in touch with us after the Nandyal debacle. We are sure that more leaders from YSRC will desert the party after the results of Kakinada Municipal Corporation are announced,’’ Excise Minister KS Jawahar told the media at the Interim Government Complex in Velagapudi.
Jawahar said that YSRC leaders had to hide their faces in the Bay of Bengal in Kakinada, claiming that the opposition party would be limited to a single-digit in the Kakinada Corporation poll results.
Asserting that the TDP is committed to the development of SC, ST and minorities, he said that the results of Nandyal bypoll had proved that Dalits, Christians and Muslims were supporting the TDP.
Meanwhile, the counting for the KMC elections held on Tuesday (August 29) is due on Friday. The final results are expected to be out by 12 noon. Elaborate security arrangements have been made in Kakinada in view of the scuffling reported from a few places on the polling day.
The counting will start at Rangaraya Medical College at 8 am. In total, 14 tables have been arranged and each table will take up counting of votes polled in three divisions. Elections was held for 48 of the 50 divisions (municipal wards). Every table will have a returning officer monitoring the counting.
East Godavari collector and returning officer Kartikeya Mishra, who inspected the arrangements at the counting centre, said at 5 am on Friday, randomisation of the government staff engaged for counting will be done and two hours later, in the presence of political parties representatives, the strong room, where the EVMs are stored will be opened.
“Counting will begin at 8 am sharp and 60 officials will be doing the counting. We are expecting the first phase of 42 divisions, which are having three polling stations each, to be completed by 11.30 am and the second phase will be taken thereafter for the remaining divisions, which are having 5 to 6 polling stations each,” he said and added that till the final announcement of the results, the model code of conduct will be in effect.
Meanwhile, mayor aspirants from both TDP and YSRC are making their moves to impress the respective party’s top leaders. The mayor post has been reserved for women this time. According to sources, there are three contestants in fray for the post in the TDP while there are two in the YSRC.
Aduri Varalakshmi (Division 8), Sunkara Pavani (Division 28) and Makineti Seshu Kumari (Division - 38) ) of TDP are vying for the top post. On the other hand, Ragireddy Chandrakala Deepika (Division 30) and Pasupuleti Venkata Lakshmi (Division 34) of YSRC are contending for the post. All the five belong to Kapu community.
Arrangements
Counting to begin at Rangaraya Medical College at 8 am
14 tables arranged and each will take up counting of votes polled in three divisions
Elections held for 48 of the 50 divisions (municipal wards) on August 29