Panchayat polls underway in Andhra Pradesh

Polling was underway peacefully for the fourth and final phase of Panchayat elections in Andhra Pradesh on Sunday. Huge voter turnout was recorded in the majority of 2,743 Panchayats going to polls in the last phase. According to the State Election Commission, 66.60 per cent polling was registered by 12.30 p.m. Polling was underway for the posts of 2,743 Sarpanchs and 22,423 ward members. Poll officials said a total of 67,75,226 votes are eligible to exercise their franchise in 161 mandals of 16 revenue divisions in 13 districts. Barring minor incidents of clashes between the rival groups at few places, the voting was peaceful. Two groups clashed near a polling centre at Mutturu in Vatticherukuru mandal in Guntur district over allegations of rigging. Tension prevailed as a person tried to immolate himself. Police prevented him from taking the extreme step. Enthusiasm among voters marked the polling. Long queues were seen at the polling booths. People who could barely walk also turned up to cast their votes. (IANS)

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