Andhra urban local body polls largely peaceful; 275 FIRs registered

Amaravati, Nov 1 (PTI) Andhra Pradesh Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha on Sunday said polling for 100 urban local bodies across the state was peaceful in most areas, barring a few incidents reported from certain places.

Addressing a press conference here, Punetha said the State Election Commission has accorded the highest priority to maintain law and order during the polling process. Complaints and representations received from various political parties were being examined, and district collectors, police officials and election observers had been directed to take necessary action.

“Polling for the 100 urban local bodies across Andhra Pradesh was peaceful in most areas, barring a few incidents reported from a few places,” said Punetha.

The Commissioner said he had reviewed the polling process and reported incidents with collectors of 12 districts, including Kadapa, Palnadu, Anantapur, Kurnool, Nellore and Tirupati. The collectors informed him that polling was peaceful in most areas, while minor complaints had been received from a few districts.

Polling hours in Ward 55 of Vijayawada were extended by two-and-a-half hours, from 5 pm to 7.30 pm, following a delay in the commencement of voting due to technical and other reasons. The decision was taken to ensure that voters were not deprived of their opportunity to exercise their franchise, he said.

Punetha said incidents reported from Palnadu and Anantapur would be examined after receiving reports from Presiding Officers and reviewing other evidence. If the complaints were found to have merit, action would be taken in accordance with the rules, he added.

Preliminary information indicated a voter turnout of 48.03 percent till 3 pm. The final polling percentage would be announced on Monday after receiving complete details from polling stations and reception centres, he said.

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police (IG) Rajakumari said around 40 incidents had been reported during polling and 275 FIRs have been registered. The incidents were being investigated and accused persons were being identified and arrested wherever evidence established their involvement, she said.

Every incident reported during the elections would be examined and appropriate action taken in accordance with the law, she added. PTI