Archive · 22 Aug 2026
GVMC Prepares for Municipal Polls Amid Ward Delimitation Court Stay
The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation is getting ready for local elections.
Officials do not yet know whether the city will have 120 wards or continue with 98 wards.
A court case has temporarily stopped the proposed ward changes.
Because of this, officials are preparing information for both possible ward plans.
They are counting voters and planning polling stations.
They are also checking the rules issued by the state government and election authorities.
The government wants to finish local elections across Andhra Pradesh by the end of October.
Mayors and municipal chairpersons will be chosen directly by the people.
The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation is preparing for upcoming municipal elections in Andhra Pradesh.
Officials are readying data for both the proposed 120-ward structure and the existing 98-ward arrangement.
The proposed ward delimitation is on hold after a Public Interest Litigation led to a High Court stay.
The state government aims to complete local body elections by the end of October, beginning with urban local bodies.
Mayors and municipal chairpersons are expected to be elected directly by voters.
- Who
- The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation, its Commissioner Ketan Garg, Andhra Pradesh government officials and the State Election Commission.
- What
- Officials are preparing for GVMC municipal elections while awaiting a decision on whether the corporation will have 120 or 98 wards.
- When
- The elections are intended to be completed by the end of October, although the specific polling date has not been stated.
- Where
- Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
- Why
- The state government wants to complete local body elections promptly and enable the state to receive Central government funds.
- Corporation
- Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC)
- Existing wards
- 98
- Proposed wards
- 120
- Legal status
- The proposed delimitation is stayed while a Public Interest Litigation is before the High Court.
- Election target
- The Andhra Pradesh government reportedly aims to complete the local body election process by the end of October.
- Election method
- Mayors and municipal chairpersons are to be elected directly by the people.
- Preparations
- Officials are compiling population, voter and polling-station data for both ward configurations.