Andhra Pradesh Polling Records High Turnout Amidst Incidents of Violence

Andhra Pradesh witnessed a significant voter turnout surpassing 68% by 5 p.m. during the concurrent Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. Despite reports of violence, polling stations across the state reported long queues by 6 p.m., indicating a potential final turnout exceeding 80%.

The state, with over 4 million registered voters, counted 20,339,851 males, 21,058,615 females, and 3,421 transgender individuals participating in the electoral process.

Chief Electoral Officer Mukesh Kumar Meena expressed that while some incidents of violence were reported, there were no severe injuries, and the overall polling process remained predominantly peaceful. Discussions on the possibility of repolling will be held after Election Observers submit their reports.

Violent clashes broke out at various polling stations, including Macherla Assembly in Palnadu district, where YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) and Telugu Desam Party (TDP) cadres engaged in clashes resulting in damage to EVMs and polling equipment at multiple locations.

Despite the equipment damage, polling continued as election officials swiftly replaced the faulty devices. Notably, around 220 EVMs, Ballot Units (BUs), and nearly 600 VVPAT machines were replaced due to technical malfunctions at the start of polling.

An unsettling incident led to YSRCP MLA Annabathuni Sivakumar from Tenali Assembly being placed under house arrest following an altercation with a voter. The exchange turned physical, with the MLA and voter reportedly slapping each other, captured in a viral video.

In separate instances, TDP polling agents allegedly faced abduction in Punganur Assembly constituency, leading to a tense political environment in districts like Palnadu, Guntur, and Annamayya with multiple leaders put under house arrest for security reasons.