Voters queue up at a polling station during the MPTC and ZPTC elections in Andhra Pradesh. (Representational image)

Polling for the second ordinary elections to MPTC and ZPTC seats in SPSR Nellore and Prakasam districts picked up pace on Thursday afternoon after a sluggish start due to heavy morning rainfall in several parts of Nellore district and some areas of Prakasam.

Nellore district recorded 57.70 per cent polling across 34 mandals by 3 pm, with 6,97,436 votes polled. Prakasam district recorded a turnout of 53.48 per cent by the same time. Long queues were seen at several polling stations as voters turned out in large numbers during the afternoon.

Jaladanki recorded the highest turnout in Nellore district at 69.86 per cent, followed by Gudur at 69.53 per cent and Chillakur at 67.74 per cent. Kaluvoya recorded the lowest turnout at 40.86 per cent.

Though polling was largely peaceful, arguments and scuffles between TD and YSRC activists were reported at a few places, including Atmakur, Venkatachalam, Sarvepalli and Gudur constituencies.

Tense situation prevailed at two polling booths in Ananthasagaram following a confrontation between supporters of minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy and former YSRC MLA Mekapati Vikram Reddy over the presence of party candidates inside a polling station. The argument escalated into pushing and shoving, prompting both groups to stage a sit-in. Police intervened and dispersed them.

Meanwhile, Vikram Reddy accused police personnel in Marripadu of favouring the ruling party, obstructing his vehicle and intimidating YSRC polling agents. The allegations could not be independently verified.

Police intervened at several places in both districts to prevent confrontations from escalating, while polling continued under security.

Tags: