The Hindu : Front Page : GVMC standing panel poll scene hots up

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Thursday, Oct 04, 2007
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GVMC standing panel poll scene hots up

Staff Reporter

Fear of cross-voting haunts Congress, Telugu Desam Party

VISAKHAPATNAM: Heat has picked up for the all-powerful Standing Committee election of the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation on Friday. Corporators elected to head each of the six ward committees will be members of the Standing Committee. The earlier procedure was to elect one among them as Chairman of the committee. But the latest GO does away with that and the Mayor will head the committee. With the committee empowered to make all proposals for works in consultation with ward committees, membership in it is coveted. Ward Committee One comprises Wards 1 to 6 and 66 to 72; Committee Two Wards 7 to 18; Committee Three Wards 19 to 30; Committee IV Wards 31 to 41 and 43 and 44; Committee V: 42, 45 to 50 and 62 and 65 and Committee Six Wards 51 to 61.

Constitution of ward committees drew criticism with TDP alleging that a simple division was avoided to ensure Congress majority. But officials said contiguity was criterion. In the election, name of a candidate for the ward chairmanship is proposed after which secret ballot comes.

Secret ballot

With secret ballot mode, Congress and TDP are playing their cards close to chest. Though Congress enjoys majority in the council, its strength is based on the support of 10 independents. It had a smooth sailing in the Mayor and Deputy Mayor election with their support. But some independents are reportedly demanding their due and may use the opportunity to get even with party leaders. Going by the combination then, the TDP has majority in two ward committees. With the committee elections experiencing reverses in the past owing to ‘cross voting,’ both parties are now treading carefully. The TDP on Wednesday held a meeting of its corporators to ascertain their views.

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