Violence mars LB polls, no response to naxals' boycott call

Hyderabad, Jun 28 (UNI) An estimated 65 to 70 per cent of voters today exercised their franchise in the first phase of polling to Panchayat Raj Bodies in 11 districts of Andhra Pradesh, which was marred by stray incidents of violence.

Police fired in the air to disperse clashing Congress and TDP groups in three places in Prakasam district, while the same opponents hurled bombs at each other in faction-prone Kadapa district. They were also involved in skirmishes elsewhere in the state. As the TDP alleged booth capturing by the ruling Congress in Kadapa, Ananantapur and Kurnool districts in Rayalaseema region, the State Election Commission called for a special report from the respective district collectors to decide on further action.

Announcing repoll in four stations in Nalgonda district on June 30 due to wrong printing of ballot papers, EC Secretary G N Rao told media a decision would be taken on 30 other cases of irregularity.

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