Post-poll incidents marred the second phase of panchayat elections even as political parties vied to claim winning candidates as their supporters in the elections held on non-party basis. Election was held in Bhimili, Pendurti, Narsipatnam, Payakaraopet and Chodvaram Assembly constituencies.
According to unofficial estimates, the TDP has emerged a major winner in the second phase relegating YSRCP and the Congress to the second and third positions as on Sunday evening. However intense efforts are being made to claim where more than two parties came together to score over the other rival and the loyalties of some remaining unclear.
The unofficial estimates put the number of sarpanch posts won by candidates supported by the ruling Congress at 80, by TDP at 142 and 88 by YSRCP and 35 by others. With regard to nine sarpanch posts, there were rival claims. While election was held for 325 sarpanch posts on Saturday, to another 29 the election was unanimous.
In some areas, particularly in Payakaraopeta constituency where there are big panchayats with votes exceeding 10,000 the counting went on till late at night.
At Payakaraopeta, where more than 12,000 votes were polled, counting went on till early Sunday and YSRCP-backed nominee won the election, it was learnt. While around 40 persons were injured in a post-poll clash at Gompavanipalem in Ravikamatam mandal, 10 of the seriously injured were shifted to KGH for treatment. Police booked cases against supporters of TDP and YSRCP involved in the clash.
At Chimalapadu in the same mandal, where the Congress-backed nominee had won, supporters of YSRCP and TDP have snatched 11 ballot boxes, police said.
At Singannadabanda in Bhimunipatnam mandal, supporters of TDP and Congress clashed over closure of a drain on Sunday after Congress-backed candidate won the election. A total of 14 persons were injured and 10 each from the two parties were taken into custody, according to inspector Lakshmana Murthy.
Meanwhile, Bhimunipatnam MLA Muttamsetty Srinivasa Rao said candidates supported by the Congress have registered an impressive victory winning 10 panchayats each in Bhimunipatnam Rural, Padmanabham and Anandapuram mandals.
