AP Polls – 55% Polling Done, 3 Hrs Left

As of 3 PM, Andhra Pradesh has recorded 55% polling percentage in the assembly and parliamentary elections. Apart from the conventionally high rural constituencies, the turnout in the urban constituencies is also said to be on high this time around.

In Macherla, the polling was halted after the YCP activists allegedly destroyed the EVMs. Then there is the incident in Narsaraopeta where MP Lavu Krishna Devaryulu’s convoy was destroyed by YCP troopers.

In Tenali, YCP candidate Annabathuni Siva Kumar created a huge controversy as he slapped a commoner who questioned him for cutting the queue in the polling booth. The MLA was hit back by the commoner. This is the most shocking incident of this year’s election campaign. He has been summoned to house arrest by the EC.

In Tadipatri, the YCP activists allegedly attacked the car belonging to TDP candidate Asmit Reddy. Chandrababu tweeted about this ” Attacking TDP candidate Asmit Reddy in Tadipatri is the culmination of YCP’s violent politics. The rowdy mobs that Jagan nurtured for 5 years are conspiring to get benefits by instilling fear in the people and reducing the polling percentage through their attacks.”

One of the most talked about MLA candidates, Raghu Rama Krishna Raju cast his vote in the Bhimavaram assembly constituency.

But barring these incidents here and there, which are part and parcel of the electoral roll, the polling has been mostly peaceful in the majority of the constituencies. The turnout is said to be increasing big time as the close-off time – 6 PM fast approaches. The EC had earlier anticipated 83% polling percentage. Will that turn to reality? We shall see.