Curtains came down on hectic campaigning by rival candidates amid trading of charges and counter-charges at 6 p.m. on Tuesday for the MLC seat from North Andhra Graduates’ Constituency.
Unlike the electioneering for the Assembly and Lok Sabha, the political parties as well as the Independent candidates focused on door-to-door canvassing, holding small meetings and bank on community welfare outfits to garner votes.
An estimated 1.55 lakh graduates registered their names as voters. In all 30 candidates are in fray. Independent backed by CPI (M) Aja Sarma, BJP-TDP joint candidate P.V.N. Madhav, Yadla Adi Raju of Congress and senior journalist and Lok Satta-supported candidate V.V. Ramana Murthy were ahead of others for the March 9 elections. YSR Congress, which has not fielded anyone in the election, announced its support to the candidature of Mr. Sarma.
High-voltage campaign was witnessed during past few days. CPI (M) had gained the advantage of launching campaign early after announcing its candidate. Progressive Front MLC M.V.S. Sarma had won the seat with the support of CPI (M) for two consecutive terms.
The administration has made elaborate arrangements for the elections at 134 polling stations spread over Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts.
BJP-TDP combine roped in several prominent leaders including Union Urban Development Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu whereas Mr. Sarma depended on organisational strength of his party and Left-affiliated trade unions.
APCC president N. Raghuveera Reddy paid a visit to the region to campaign in support of Mr. Adi Raju. Lok Satta founder Jaya Prakash Narayan addressed a few meetings in support of Mr. Ramana Murthy.
Several notices were issued for violation of model code of conduct. A complaint was received by the election authorities on alleged violation of model code by AP Brahmin Welfare Corporation Chairman I.Y.R. Krishna Rao for misusing official machinery. Mr. Rao later issued a statement stoutly denying the charge.
Social media
The highlight of campaign this time was the emphasis laid on seeking votes through social media. Interestingly, candidates and their supporters tried to convince the voters through appeals on WhatsApp even after expiry of the deadline.
After the end of deadline for campaigning, the contestants held press conferences separately levelling charges against their rivals and claiming that they had bright winning chances.
