Voter turnout remains high in Godavari region amidst fury of Cyclone Arnab

Voters participated enthusiastically in the elections held on Sunday in the Godavari region, which is striving to recover from the destruction caused by Cyclone Arnab. The voter turnout was significant in these elections held for a total of 14 local self-government institutions (ULBs), including three Nagar Panchayats. Despite Narsapuram and Amalapuram municipalities being the most affected areas by the cyclone and relief operations being underway, voters reached the polling stations to exercise their right to vote.

According to a report by The Hindu, at least 71.87% of voters cast their votes in Amalapuram municipality. Meanwhile, in Narsapuram municipality, where the cyclone made landfall on 29 October, 70% of voters cast their votes. In Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district, 70.73% voting was recorded in Ramachandrapuram municipality and 75.09% in Mummidivaram Nagar Panchayat.

In Kakinada district, the total voter turnout was 68.42%. In the Pithapuram assembly constituency, represented by Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan, 66.31% voting took place in Pithapuram municipality and 74.36% in Gollaprolu municipality. In the upland areas of Kakinada district, 66.86% voting was recorded in Peddapuram, 70.57% in Samalkot, and 65.24% in Tuni. In Yeleswaram Nagar Panchayat, 71.40% voting was recorded, but polling was halted there for some time due to technical glitches.

Some problems were also encountered during polling. At one polling station, voters complained that the name and symbol of the BJP candidate were not available on the ballot paper provided to them. At another polling station, it was found that the name and symbol of the TDP candidate were missing. This issue arose during the distribution of ballot papers on 31 October. District Collector M.N. Harendra Hira Prasad reached the spot immediately and resolved the issue, after which polling resumed.

Polling in East Godavari district remained largely peaceful. Among its three municipalities, Mandapeta recorded the highest 77.54% voting. In Nidavole municipality, represented by Tourism Minister Kandula Durga, 69.30% voting took place, and 68.43% in Kovvur. In West Godavari district, a total of 72.75% voting was recorded in Akividu Nagar Panchayat, where women voters cast their votes in large numbers.