Apart from a few minor incidents of clashes between political party workers, the polling process was largely peaceful. The counting of votes will take place on 3 March.
Published Feb 27, 2025 | 11:53 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 27, 2025 | 11:53 PM
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and his minister-son, Nara Lokesh after casting their votes. (X)
Synopsis: Polling for three MLC seats each in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh concluded peacefully, with only a few minor incidents reported. In Telangana, tensions arose at polling centres in Khammam and Medak, leading to clashes before order was restored. The North Andhra teachers’ constituency recorded the highest voter turnout at 91.82 percent.
Polling for three MLC seats each in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh concluded peacefully on Thursday, 27 February, with only a few minor incidents reported.
In both states, the principal opposition parties – BRS in Telangana and YSRCP and Congress in Andhra Pradesh – stayed away from the elections.
The counting of votes will take place on 3 March.
In Telangana, voting took place for two teachers’ constituencies and one graduates’ constituency.
The voter turnout for the Medak-Karimnagar-Adilabad-Nizamabad graduates’ constituency was 63 percent. The Nalgonda-Warangal-Khammam teachers’ constituency recorded a turnout of 93.55 percent, while the Karimnagar-Adilabad-Medak-Nizamabad teachers’ constituency saw 83 percent voting.
Tension flared at a polling centre in Khammam after Telangana State United Teachers’ Federation (TSUTF) leaders made remarks about Narendra Modi.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders strongly objected, leading to protests. Police intervened, removing the tents of both the BJP and the TSUTF. A scuffle broke out between BJP leaders and the police before the situation was brought under control.
In the Medak teachers’ constituency, BJP fielded M Komaraiah, while the Progressive Recognized Teachers’ Union Telangana State (PRSTUTS) nominated V Mahender Reddy. The TSUTF candidate is Y Ashok Kumar. Sitting MLC Kura Raghottham Reddy of PRSTUTS is also in the fray.
In the Medak graduates’ constituency, tension erupted at a polling centre when BJP and Congress leaders clashed verbally after a police officer allegedly manhandled a BJP leader.
Congress workers then charged at BJP workers, leading to stone-pelting between both groups. Police dispersed the crowds and restored order.
For this seat, BJP has nominated C Anji Reddy, while Congress has fielded V Narender Reddy. Several independents are also contesting, potentially complicating matters for major parties.
In the Warangal teachers’ constituency, BJP candidate Sarottam Reddy faces stiff competition from Teachers’ Joint Action Committee (JAC) candidate Harsha Vardhan Reddy, who is believed to have covert support from Congress leaders.
In Andhra Pradesh, voter turnout stood at 63.38 percent for the East-West Godavari graduates’ constituency, 65.58 percent for the Krishna-Guntur graduates’ constituency, and 91.82 percent for the North Andhra teachers’ constituency.
In the North Andhra teachers’ constituency, 10 candidates are in the fray. The main contenders are P Raghuvarma (Andhra Pradesh Teachers’ Federation), Gade Srinivasulu Naidu (Progressive Recognized Teachers’ Union), and Vijaya Gouri (Andhra Pradesh United Teachers Federation).
In the East-West Godavari graduates’ constituency, 35 candidates are contesting. The main contenders are Perabathula Rajasekhar (National Democratic Alliance) and Raghavulu (Progressive Democratic Front).
In the Krishna-Guntur graduates’ constituency, the primary contest is between Alapati Rajendra Prasad (NDA) and KS Lakshman Rao (PDF).
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu and his minister-son, Nara Lokesh, cast their votes at the Seetharavamma MPUP School booth in Undavalli near Vijayawada for the Krishna-Guntur graduates’ MLC elections.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
