25 Notices Served for Violating Code of Conduct + Election Details

25 people, including Velagapudi Uma Maheswara Rao – Registrar, Andhra University, were served with notices for violating the moral code of conduct. The same were served for violating conduct in place for the election for Graduates MLC constituency for North Andhra.

Addressing media at the Collectorate, Collector Pravin Kumar said that had received 12 complaints registered by political parties and candidates and the other 13 were registered by themselves. “Notices were served to 25 people and action would be taken if necessary after taking clarifications from them within 24 hours,” he said. He further stated that preparations were done for the elections that will be held between 8 AM and 6 PM due to be held on March 9.

The Registrar had a notice served because he reportedly took part in a programme that was hosted by Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu. There is also a complaint filed against former Chief Secretary by the EC for the same. Security personnel has so far booked 69 bindover cases and issued 254 warrants that are non-bailable. 409 licensed revolvers have been surrendered and 967 liquor bottles were seized.

Ballot boxes and papers have already been dispatched to all the three North Andhra districts. On the day of elections, central and state government employees can apply for a special casual leave. The votes will then be counted at Swarna Bharathi Indoor Stadium on March 20. The Collector said they had issues orders to private organisations and industries so employees would be granted permission to cast votes. With 30 candidates contesting and 240 polling booths arranged, as opposed to the earlier announced 224 booths only, 16 new booths have been set up where the number of voters would exceed 1200.

There will be 150 micro-observers and special squads on the polling day in 16 zones. Every polling booth will come accompanies by webcasting and video-screening. The election canvassing will close by 6 PM today.