Nizamabad: Bank accounts are making a debut in panchayat elections, where contestants have been directed to open a bank account and make all expenses from it.
As many as 177 panchayats will be going to the polls in the first phase in Nizamabad district, followed by 164 panchayats in Kamareddy district. The Election Commission has directed bankers to open separate accounts for candidates of panchayat elections.
Opening of a bank account is mandatory for all candidates contesting for the post of sarpanch or ward member.
Nominations for first phase of elections will be filed on January 7, 8 and 9 and scrutiny held on January 10. Elections will be held on from 7am to 1pm on January 21 and counting held the same day, followed by declaration of results. Election of the upa sarpanch will be held the same day and results of sarpanch and ward members declared.
The elections are being conducting without any party symbols. Political parties are making efforts to ensure polls are conducted unanimously in various villages.
The district administration in Nizamabad and Kamareddy have identified critical gram panchayats for smooth conduct of elections.
