SEC issues notification for gram panchayat elections in AP

State Election Commission on Saturday issued tification for conduct of elections to gram panchayats in Andhra Presh, first phase of which will be held here in February 5. In first phase, gram panchayats under 146 revenue mandals in 11 districts will go to polls, according to tification issued by State Election Commissioner Nimmagda Ramesh Kumar.

SEC called gram panchayat elections 'historic', given circumstances under which y were being held. "People are very enthusiastic to take part in election process. It is of course, a major challenge for commission to conduct polls against odds," Ramesh Kumar remarked.

Panchayat elections are t being held in first phase in Vizianagaram and Prakasam districts. elections will be held on apolitical basis. dressing a press conference, SEC said it was responsibility of state government to ensure that elections were conducted in a smooth manner.

"Ultimately government will have to face consequences if anything doesn't go well," he observed.

Kumar said he h apprised Goverr of prevailing situation. "I will continue to keep reporting to Goverr on poll process. If required, I will submit a report to Supreme Court as well," he said, referring to defiant stance being opted by Jagan Mohan Reddy government over elections under Kumar's helm.