Municipal Election Candidates Face High Financial Demands in West Godavari District

Municipal election costs in Andhra Pradesh's West Godavari district are reportedly exceeding general election expenditures. Political leaders are allegedly demanding 20 lakh rupees for candidates contesting in general category wards within Bhimavaram town. Similar financial pressures are observed in Tadepalligudem, Tanuku, and Palakollu, where aspirants are advised to secure at least 10 lakh rupees per ward. Furthermore, candidates contesting from SC and ST reserved wards are reportedly facing demands of 5 lakh rupees. Aspirants expressed significant concern that these costs will escalate further to satisfy party workers throughout the campaign period. This trend of high financial requirements is currently prevalent across four major municipalities in the district.