Over 87% polling recorded in Vizianagaram

Officials heaved a sigh of relief with the completion of the third phase of panchayat elections peacefully on Wednesday in Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts. In the backdrop of violence in Nimmada village during the first phase and arrest of TDP-A.P. president K. Atchannaidu, Srikakulam district administration took special care to ensure peaceful polling in the Palakonda division. Mild tension prevailed during campaigning at Togaram village where Tammineni Vani, wife of Speaker Tammineni Sitharam, contested with the support of the ruling YSR Congress Party. However, the situation was under control on the day of polling. Nine mandals, including Palakonda, Ponduru, Amadalavalasa, Burja, Sarubujjili and Bhamini recorded 80.13% polling. As many as 588 candidates contested for 248 panchayats.