First phase ZPTC, MPTC polling begins in AP

Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission Saturday said it has made elaborate arrangements to conduct first phase of elections to Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituencies (ZPTC) and Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituencies (MPTC) to be held today.

Polling will be held in 534 mandals comprising 557 ZPTC and 8250 MPTC representatives, State Election Commissioner P Ramakanth Reddy told reporters here.

He said over 95,000 police personnel, besides State Special Police (SPP) and 20 companies of central paramilitary forces will be deployed to ensure peaceful atmosphere during polls.

We have made all necessary arrangements for the polls today. 3210 micro-observers are in place and web-casting of poll pattern will be done in 3210 stations and videography in 5007 places, Reddy said.

He said police have so far seized unaccounted cash of Rs 77.57 crore in various places across the state during checks and arrested over 9000 persons in poll related cases. The second-phase of the polls will be held on April 11.