AP bypolls 2012: 80 percent turnout in close fight in state

Hyderabad, Jun 13: The crucial by elections in Andhra Pradesh on Tuesday saw an average of 80 percent voters cast their votes for the

Lok Sabha and 18 assembly constituencies, according to poll officials. The fate has been sealed for politicos, especially YSR congress chief

who has a lot going for him in this by elections, that is essentially considered a vindication for him. The polls will also redefine the politics of the state in more ways than one.

The Nellore Lok Sabha constituency registered a phenomenal 70 percent voting, while the assembly segments recorded an average of 80 percent turnout. The polling percentage for the various constituencies are - Parkala (84), Payakaraopet (82), Macherla (81), Narsampet (73), Pattipadu (68), Anantapur Urban (66), Rayadurgam (88), Polavaram (87), Ramchandrapuram (87), Rayachoti (80), Allagadda (80), Ongole (79), Rajampet (79), Yemmiganur (77), Udagiri (77) and Koduru (75).

There were stray incidents of violence reported as well but this did not stop voters from coming out to exercise their franchise. Election officials were also attacked in Payakaraopet. The Parkala constituency saw police vehicles being burnt by an agitating mob. In Ongole, 2 election staff were removed after it was reported that they appealed to voters to cast their votes in favour of the YSR Congress.

To ensure free and fair elections, the same was monitored by election officials through live web casting. Designated video graphers and micro observers also recorded the process of voting at each polling station.

Two villagers in the Nellore Lok Sabha constituency boycotted polls as a mark of protest after authorities failed to address their local issues. The counting of votes will be held on Friday. With the triangular contest between ruling Congress party, the main opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), the stakes are high for all the said parties.

In spite of Election Commission rules barring incentives to voters, parties were reported to openly distributing cash, sarees and jewellery in a bid to woo voters. Cash worth Rs 56 crore was seized in the run up to the elections, creating a history of sorts. Large quantities of liquor, as much as 2 lakh litres were also seized ahead of the polls.

OneIndia News