Nandyal, Andhra Pradesh: More than 75 per cent voters cast ballots in the by-election to Nandyal assembly constituency in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday, which passed off peacefully barring minor incidents.
For the first time, the Election Commission is using the Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in the election.
Though polling came to an end at 6pm, those standing in queues were allowed to cast their votes. The exact polling figures are expected later.
Tension prevailed at Atmkaur in the evening when family members of Telugu Desam Party and YSR Congress party candidates clashed. Police had to intervene to bring the situation under control.
Long queues were seen when polling booths opened at 7am.
The by-pas were necessitated after the death of Bhuma Nagi Reddy, who had quit the YSR Congress party to join the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) last year.
There are 15 candidates in the fray, including Bhuma’s nephew Brahmananda Reddy of the TDP, Silpa Mohan Reddy of the YSR Congress and Abdul Khader from the Congress.
It is a direct fight between the TDP and the YSR Congress. Both the parties are treating it as a fight for prestige.
The constituency witnessed high-voltage and acrimonious campaign led by Chief Minister and TDP President N. Chandrababu Naidu and YSR Congress chief Y.S. Jaganmohan Reddy.
