Sat Aug 02 13:34:19 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text and a rewritten version as a news article:

**Summary:**

The District Revenue Officer (DRO) of Chittoor, K. Mohan Kumar, conducted inspections of EVM (Electronic Voting Machine) godowns in preparation for the upcoming elections. Representatives from major political parties were present. The inspections focused on security and storage conditions. The DRO also announced plans to increase the number of polling stations in the district from 1,776 to 1,974 to better serve voters. He also emphasized the need to relocate polling stations in unsafe buildings and ensure timely resolution of voter claims.

**News Article:**

**Chittoor Prepares for 2026 Elections: Polling Stations to Increase, Security Tightened**

**Chittoor, August 2, 2025** – In a move to bolster election readiness, District Revenue Officer (DRO) K. Mohan Kumar oversaw inspections of EVM (Electronic Voting Machine) storage facilities on Saturday. Representatives from leading political parties, including TDP, BJP, YSRCP, JSP, Congress, and the Left, joined the DRO during the inspection of the Collectorate premises.

The focus of the inspections was on ensuring the proper security and functionality of the EVM godowns. Key areas examined included electrification, surveillance measures, and the overall storage system. The DRO emphasized the importance of maintaining a well-organized storage of election materials and a clean environment within the premises.

Following the inspections, Mr. Kumar announced plans to expand the number of polling stations within the Chittoor district. Citing a draft rationalization module for 2026, the DRO stated the district would see an increase from the current 1,776 polling stations to 1,974. This expansion aims to alleviate pressure on existing polling stations that serve more than 1,200 voters.

“These new polling stations will ensure a smoother and more accessible voting experience for all citizens of Chittoor,” stated Mr. Kumar during a meeting with stakeholders.

The DRO also instructed field staff to identify and propose relocation plans for polling stations currently housed in dilapidated structures. He added that relocated stations would be renamed to improve accessibility for voters. Furthermore, Mr. Kumar highlighted Chittoor district’s current leading position in the state for the timely resolution of voter claims and urged staff to maintain this momentum. All staff were directed to submit booth-level officer details in accordance with Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines.

These measures signal a concerted effort by the district administration to ensure free, fair, and accessible elections in the coming years.

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