Local body poll postponement: Vizianagaram Mayor candidates gain more campaign time

TDP mayor candidate Avanapu Bhargavi addressing people in Gajularega of Vizianagaram. TDP MLA Aditi Vijayalakshmi also seen. | Photo Credit: ARRANGEMENT

VIZIANAGARAM:

The State Election Commission’s (SEC) decision to temporarily defer the local body elections following the Supreme Court’s directive has come as a blessing in disguise for mayoral candidates in Vizianagaram.

Under the earlier schedule, candidates were given only five days time, from October 21 to 26 to campaign across all the 62 divisions in the municipal corporation. The limited time posed a challenge especially for many independent candidates and mayor candidates of small parties who were not known to people in the city.

Political analysts said that the likely postponement would benefit candidates allowing them to rework their strategies and prepare an action plan to reach voters’ across all divisions.

A mayoral candidate said: “In previous elections, mayors were elected indirectly. So corporators focused only on their respective divisions. But now, since the elections will be through the direct system, candidates need more time to meet the nearly 2.23 lakh votes. The postponement provides an opportunity to plan campaigns systematically.”

The decision of deferment has also given district officials some breathing as they are busy with Sirimanotsavam, scheduled for October 27. For the last one week, officials have faced many difficulties as they were forced juggle election-related work and duties and arrangements for the Sirimanotsavam festival, which is expected to draw nearly 2.5 lakh people.

“The temporary postponement of elections will allow officials to focus on ensuring proper arrangements for Sirimanotsavam.,” said a senior official.

Published - October 22, 2026 08:10 pm IST