Hyderabad, Dec 02 – Overall, the state finally recorded voter turnout of 71.34 percent in elections to the 119-member Telangana Legislative Assembly on Thursday which is low voter turnout compared to 73 percent in 2018 elections despite the high- octane campaign.
The highest turnout of 91.89 percent recorded at Munugode assembly segment while the lowest of 39.64 percent in Yakatpura assembly segment in old city, state Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Vikas Raj said in a press conference here on Friday.
In 76 constituencies, the poll percentage was above 75 percent, he said.
The polling on Thursday passed off peacefully, barring few poll- related incidents, he said the counting of votes would commence at 0800 hours on Sunday with postal ballots and followed by Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) polled votes.
All ballot boxes were shifted to strong rooms and safe with three- layer security, he said.
Generally, there would be 14 tables arranged at each counting centre and in case if the voters in a particular constituency were higher, more tables would be arranged, he informed.
When asked about complaints of rigging by a few parties, Vikas Raj the said there was web-casting footage available at many polling stations. If there was anything suspicious, the concerned Returning Officers would definitely consider and initiate action accordingly.
Over the ruling BRS party’s objection on exit polls being released on Thursday even as the polling was under progress, he said the Election Commission of India considers all aspects, including legal provisions, before permitting such practices.
About the fake videos being circulated on social media platforms, he said the EC officials had removed 120 fake links, videos and other materials posted on different social media platforms.
Replaced EVMs at some polling stations during the polling due technology glitches, he said.
Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao ‘S (KCR) sitting Assembly seat, Gajwel, recorded 84.14% voter turnout while 75.28 % recorded at Kamareddy, one of the key constituencies, where the state Congress chief A Revanth Reddy is taking on CM.
Another key segment to the BRS as the chief minister’s son and IT Minister KT Rama Rao is contesting from Sircilla. The segment recorded 77% polling.
While 63.23 percent reported from Karimnagar, where BJP MP and former State BJP is contesting and 81.96 voter turnout recorded at Kodangal , where TPCC chief also contesting.
