After repeated requests, prolonged protests and strong letters, the Election Commission of India finally agreed to relax the model code of conduct for four districts of coastal Andhra Pradesh – East Godavari, Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam.
Responding to the latest letter written by Telugu Desam Party president and chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu requesting the EC to permit him to review the rescue and rehabilitation works in the areas affected by the Cyclone Fani, the EC announced lifting the model code of conduct in four districts.
Naidu in fact sought exemption from the MCC in the entire state to monitor the situation during Cyclone Fani. But the EC agreed to lift MCC only in four north coastal districts of AP.
The chief minister welcomed the decision of EC and said that he will personally visit the places, where the cyclone effect is more in these four districts.
The authorities are taking all precautions in mitigating the impact of super cyclone in the north coastal Andhra districts.
In view of the severe cyclonic storm Fani, the government cautioned public to be more alert regarding any untoward power accidents due to nature's fury.
Likewise, 12,000 poles, 50 cranes, 40 pole drilling machines, 40 generators, 70 power saws, 2,000 transformers, wires, conductors, cross arms, insulators were already sent to the cyclone-affected places and in addition, other necessary items are being procured.