Clashes, ballot mix-up, attacks on journalists mark stormy polling across AP

VIJAYAWADA

Political clashes, allegations of booth capturing, attacks on journalists and a ballot-paper mix-up marked polling across Andhra Pradesh on Sunday as voters elected representatives to 92 urban local bodies.

In Pulivendula, rival party workers reportedly clashed, with stone-pelting and allegations of booth capturing adding to the tension. YSRCP leaders accused the ruling coalition of obstructing polling agents and intimidating voters. The TDP rejected the charges, alleging that the opposition was attempting to create trouble. Police stepped up security in sensitive areas and intervened to prevent the situation from worsening.

Madanapalle in Annamayya district witnessed tension when YSRCP municipal chairperson candidate Jinka Chalapati arrived at a polling station with a group of supporters. The Quick Response Team intervened and moved him aside, preventing escalation. Polling continued after the intervention.

A ballot-paper printing error disrupted voting in Vijayawada Municipal Corporation's 55th division for more than two hours. The symbols of YSRCP and Congress candidates were reportedly interchanged, prompting officials to halt polling and arrange fresh ballot papers. Voting resumed after the correction, and polling hours were extended till 7.30 pm to compensate for the delay.

Journalists covering the election in Pulivendula also alleged intimidation, with television reporters' cameras damaged. Media representatives raised the issue with officials, seeking protection while covering the polling process.

Despite the incidents, polling was reported to be largely peaceful in several towns. The State Election Commission said voters who were in queues at 5 pm would be allowed to cast their votes. The statewide turnout stood at 48.03% by 3 pm, with 46.54 lakh votes polled out of 96.89 lakh eligible voters, according to cited figures.

A total of 11,378 polling stations were set up across 13 municipal corporations and 79 municipalities and nagar panchayats. More than 36,000 police personnel were deployed for election duty. The contest involves 10,262 candidates, making the civic polls a test for the ruling NDA alliance and the opposition YSRCP.

Counting is scheduled for November 3, when the results will indicate the parties' relative strength in urban Andhra Pradesh.