Andhra Pradesh Elections: Voting For Triangular Contest Concludes With Sporadic Incidents Of Violence

According to the data of the Election Commission of India, Andhra Pradesh has recorded 68.04 % voter turnout till 5 PM in the simultaneous elections. 

Voters queue up at a polling station during the fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections and Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections in Sullurupeta, Tirupati district. ( Image Source :PTI )

In Andhra Pradesh, the voting process for all 25 Lok Sabha and 175 Assembly constituencies concluded on Monday, marking the end of a triangular contest among the YSRCP led by Jagan Mohan Reddy, the state Congress led by Jagan's sister YS Sharmila, and the NDA. Notably, the BJP has formed an alliance with the regional parties, Chandrababu Naidu's TDP and Pawan Kalyan's JanaSena Party.

According to the data of the Election Commission of India, Andhra Pradesh has recorded 68.04 % voter turnout till 5 PM in the simultaneous elections. 

Andhra Pradesh Polling

The voting took place smoothly except a few instances of clash between the ruling and opposition party workers. Supporters of both TDP and YSRCP have accused each other of instigating violence at multiple locations throughout the state, notably in Palnadu, Kadapa, and Annamayya districts.

In Dalavaipalli village within the Railway Kodur constituency, an EVM was reportedly destroyed. A police official stated that cars affiliated with both the ruling party and TDP were damaged. Additionally, a TDP agent was assaulted at Nakkaladinne village in the Myduruku constituency, resulting in his hospitalisation.

After a video surfaced on social media showing Hyderabad BJP candidate Madhavi Latha urging women voters to remove their burqas to reveal their identity, Hyderabad police filed a case against the BJP worker. A YSRCP MLA and candidate A Sivakumar ran into a controversy after he reportedly slapped a voter in Tenali, Guntur on Monday. 

 

On the voting, Chandrababu Naidu said, "It’s a Historic day for Andhra Pradesh today! The enthusiasm and determination of our people is inspirational. People continue to turn up in long queues to exercise their Right to Vote. I request @ECISVEEP to arrange for power backup and sufficient light facility at all booths."

Key Figures Exercise Their Franchise

On Monday, several prominent figures including Andhra Pradesh CM Jagan Mohan Reddy, TDP Chief N Chandrababu Naidu, and Janasena chief Pawan Kalyan cast their votes in the simultaneous elections.

Jagan Mohan Reddy voted at Bhakarapuram in the Pulivendula constituency of Kadapa district, while Chandrababu Naidu and his wife participated in the electoral process in Amaravati.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the YSRCP secured victory in 22 seats, while the TDP was reduced to just 3 seats.

Andhra Pradesh Key Constituencies  

YSRCP President and Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy is running for office in Pulivendla, TDP Chief N Chandrababu Naidu is contesting from Kuppam, and Janasena Chief and actor Pawan Kalyan is vying for the seat in Pithapuram.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Congress President and Jagan's sister, YS Sharmila, is competing for the Lok Sabha seat from Kadapa, while BJP State Chief Purandeswari is seeking election from Rajamahendravaram.