Ward delimitation exercise ends in Vellore

The exercise is subsequent to the High Court ordering conduct of the much-delayed and long overdue local body elections. The state government had in fact sought more time to conduct the polls, citing delimitation of wards as a reason. Officials said that the Corporation has a total of 1.16 lakh houses for a population of nearly 4 lakh. Earlier, the Corporation’s 60 wards were split based on population. Vellore Corporation has four divisions, with each comprising 15 wards. The most number of changes occurred in division I in Katpadi on the outskirts of the town. 

“A similar exercise was also undertaken for wards in village panchayats, panchayat unions and district panchayat,” officials said. Vellore Collector SA Raman called on political parties and individuals to check the results of the delimitation exercise displayed in the respective panchayat offices, unions and the Collectorate and offer their suggestions and complaints before 5 45 pm on January 2. 

According to officials, “Changes in the number of houses could affect the prospects of political party candidates, who might find that they have been shifted to a new ward with which they are unfamiliar. It is to overcome this that their suggestions have been sought.”   Sources revealed that with the present fluid political situation in the state, many prospective candidates were seriously checking the new ward layouts as even a minor shift in the voter base could jeopardize their chances of victory. “The real scenario will be revealed in about ten days” officials added.