AP Local Body Elections: Government Shocks SEC Nimmagadda Ramesh Kumar

The much-talked-about Panchayat elections in Andhra Pradesh found itself in the middle of the headlines as the Andhra Pradesh High Court heard the petition in connection with the elections.

The Andhra Pradesh government filed an additional affidavit in the High Court stating that the local body elections cannot be held in February. The government cited the Covid-19 situation as the reason.

The government said the Centre issued guidelines over the Coronavirus vaccination program which is expected to start in January or February.

The vaccination program engages police personnel and other departments to play a crucial part in the vaccination exercise, which makes the police personnel unable to exercise their duties at the polling booths.

The second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine should be given to the public, four weeks after giving the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccination. The vaccination program should be given more priority over elections, the government said.

This development from the state government gave a shock to SEC Nimmagadda Ramesh Kumar, who is very firm on his decision to go for the elections in February 2021.

The High Court adjourned the next hearing of the case to Friday. Now it is interesting to know, what reason the SEC gives to seek directives to hold the elections.