Brisk polling despite rains in AP panchayat polls

Hyderabad, July 29: Despite rains, brisk polling was reported in the first phase of Panchayat polls in the state today.

Police said apart from some minor clashes in certain districts, the polling was peaceful.

Though the elections were held on non-party basis in 6545 Gram Panchayats and 65846 Wards in 26 Revenue divisions, all political parties fielded their candidates and party leaders including MLAs and Ministers openly supported and campaigned for them.

In Theppalavalasa village under Ranasthalam mandal of Srikakulam district, polling was suspended following a clash. Many people were injured in the incident.

Though Police made elaborate arrangements in Karimnagar, the native district of recently killed Maoist State Secretary Madhav, reports said several polling officials did not report for duty.

Clashes between TDP and Congress supporters were reported from Vadlamudi village.

UNI