Phase-I election peaceful; Congress will win all ZPs:CM

Hyderabad, June 28 (UNI) Exuding confidence of a massive win for the Congress, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy today said the first phase of civic poll to Zilla Praja Parishads (ZPPs) and Mandal Praja Parishads (MPPs) in 11 districts was peaceful.

Talking to reporters here this evening, Dr Reddy said repoll was ordered only in 25 stations, that too because of wrong ballot papers in 10 stations and sporadic violence in 15 booths.

Comparing the 'untoward incidents' in the 2001 local body polls under TDP rule, he said the incidents were negligible now. He alleged that in 2001, 566 incidents of law and order were reported with three murders and 170 injured. He said there were 174 incidents of rioting, four of arson, eight bomb hurling, 21 incidents police firing and two kidnappings.

Referring to the TDP charges of alleged irregularities, Mr Reddy said the opposition was trying to belittle the prospective victory of the Congress by making false allegations.

Asked about the reported murder of two persons in Kurnool district today, he said he was unaware of any such incident.

UNI JKR ARB RAI2100