44.51 p c voting in Visakha-I re-poll

Visakhapatnam, Apr 24 (UNI) A low turn out of 44.51 per cent was recorded in the re-poll held for Visakhapatnam-I Assembly seat, for which polling held on February 19 was countermanded by the Election Comission following allegations of malpractices by political parties.

The by-election was necessitated due to the death of sitting Congress member D Satyanarayana.

Today's polling, held under tight police security, remained by and large peaceful, barring a dharna held by Telugu Desam candidate and party leaders alleging that Congress leaders were involved in distributing money to voters along with food packets in one ward.

The voting percentage was lower compared to the February 19 poll when 48.85 per cent voters turned up. Many factors affected polling like scorching summer heat and indifference from voters, mainly due to controversies surrounding the by-poll, which was postponed twice and countermanded once.

Originally, polling was fixed for February 16 but was postponed by three days due to the President's Fleet Review held on the city coast on February 13. After the original poll was countermanded the re-poll was scheduled for March 25, but again postponed by the Election Commission in view of school examinations.

Though it is a triangular contest between Congress, Telugu Desam and the Bharatiya Janata Party, it is virtually a direct fight between the first two and the verdict is expected to be close.

Deputy Commissioner of Police V Ravinder said voting remained peaceful and no untoward incident was reported from any part.

Polling began on a dull note as people came in a trickle to vote. This trend continued throughout the day as none of the 130 polling stations saw any queues.

UNI RS AA PA VC1947