Sharmila urges SEC to postpone urban local body polls in view of cyclone threat

Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president Y. S. Sharmila Reddy has urged the State Election Commission (SEC) to postpone the urban local body elections scheduled for November 1, citing the threat posed by Cyclone Arnab and concerns over public safety.

In a representation to State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha on Tuesday, she sought a review of the poll schedule in view of India Meteorological Department warnings that the very severe cyclonic storm was expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Bapatla and Visakhapatnam, near Yanam, by the forenoon of October 28, with winds of 115-125 kmph, gusting to 140 kmph, and heavy to extremely heavy rainfall.

Ms. Sharmila urged the SEC to postpone polls in cyclone-affected areas in consultation with the IMD, the State Disaster Management Authority and district administrations, and announce revised dates after assessing the weather situation.