Controversy on opening strong room in Vizianagaram

VIZIANAGARAM: The opening of the strong room containing postal ballot boxes of employees by district officials late Thursday night sparked controversy. TDP leaders staged protests at the Tahsildar office, alleging that officials failed to inform political parties, including the TDP, about the opening.

Upon learning about the opening of the strong room at the local Tahsildar Office, TDP Vizianagaram Assembly candidate Aditi Gajapatiraju, TDP district general secretary IVP Raju, and party cadres rushed to the office and staged protests. They questioned the authorities' decision to open the strong room without notifying the candidates in the fray, including major political parties like the TDP.

Joint Collector Karthik told media persons that they have informed the candidates and agents of political parties before opening the strong room in the presence of the police. The entire process was video recorded and also CCTVs are at the strong room. He further explained that they had opened the strong room at 3 pm to separate the postal ballots of other districts.