Polling in the bye-election to Nandyal Assembly seat in Kurnool district went off peacefully by and large, barrsing some stray incidents. Till 5 pm in the evening, 77.66 per cent of the voters have exercised their franchise, and as there were people still standing in the queus, the total poll per cent might go up to 82, the Chief Electoral Officer Bhanwarlal told the media today. In the 2014 elections, 71 per cent polling was registered here.
One police constable died while on poll duty and Rs.10 lakh ex gratia is being given to his family, he announced.
Speculation was rife as to who will be benefited by the large turnout of voters. YSRCP leaders were expressing confidence thatr the high turn out would definitely help their candidates, as it shows the antagonism towards the ruling dispensation.
The by-election was necessitated following the death of sitting MLA Bhuma Nagi Reddy, who won the seat in 2014 as YSR Congress candidate but later switched over to the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in 2016.
The TDP has fielded Reddy’s nephew Brahmananda Reddy while the YSRC put up former minister Silpa Chandra Mohan Reddy, who lost the seat as TDP nominee in 2014. Though there are 15 candidates in the fray, the main fight is between the TDP and the YSRC. Counting of votes will take place on august 28. (NSS)