Higher turnout recorded in Kotia region

Visakhapatnam: Save for a few minor disruptions, the local body election polling process in the disputed villages of the Kotia region, located in Parvathipuram Manyam district, concluded peacefully, free from any untoward incidents. Compared to previous elections, District Superintendent of Police S V Madhav Reddy noted a higher voter turnout this time.

Given the historical context of election conduct in the Kotia villages and the sensitive nature of the border areas, the District Police proactively devised a comprehensive security plan. Special measures were taken to alleviate public anxiety and ensure that every individual could exercise their right to vote freely. This included identifying sensitive areas, deploying dedicated police contingents, and stationing sufficient police personnel at polling booths to ensure that voters could cast their ballots without any hindrance. The polling station for the sensitive area of Nerellavalasa was set up at the Sarika village secretariat.

Residents participated in the polling process voluntarily—free from fear, anxiety, external pressure, or inducements—to exercise their right to vote. The District Superintendent of Police noted that the voter turnout was 32 percent higher than in previous elections, a result attributed to the sense of security instilled in the public by the police department.

DSPs, Circle Inspectors (CIs), Sub-Inspectors (SIs), and other police officers and personnel involved in election duties worked in coordination and remained vigilant throughout the entire polling process.Senior officials continuously monitored security arrangements at the polling stations, proactively taking measures to prevent any untoward incidents and maintaining a robust police presence. The District SP stated that the initiatives taken by the district police to ensure the safety of residents in the Kotia villages—thereby enabling them to cast their votes in a free and fair environment—proved successful.

District SP Madhav Reddy commended the police officers and personnel for their efforts in ensuring that the election process in these disputed villages proceeded smoothly and without any untoward incidents.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The Hans India