The Anantapur Assembly constituency recorded one of the highest ever poll percentages with the vote percentage at the end of polling pegged at 65.95 per cent, almost a 16 percentage rise over the Assembly elections in 2009.
Meanwhile, poll percentage in Rayadurgam Assembly constituency too saw an increase by around 3.5 per cent to 82 per cent from the 78.61 per cent in the 2009 Assembly elections.
While both constituencies witnessed brisk polling right from the start, with each Assembly segment matching percentage points every hour, the polling went into a lean phase in Anantapur Assembly segment after 1 p.m. even as Rayadurgam witnessed good polling numbers well beyond 5 p.m., as people in queues already were being allowed to exercise their vote.
Although a similar situation existed in a few of the polling centres in Anantapur Assembly segment also, the figures are not likely to go up beyond a few points.
On the other hand, many polling centres in the urban constituency of Anantapur registered well over 85 percent of voting, which was a first at many polling stations, many in the old town area and Muslim-dominated areas, giving a clear indication that minorities did come out to vote more than they did in the past.
Nevertheless, the polling centre next to YSRCP leader Salar Basha's house in Anantapur was said to have witnessed votes being rigged by impersonation in garb of veils of Muslim women. A complaint was filed by Congressmen to the election officials.
Many polling stations in Anantapur and Rayadurgam Assembly segments witnessed an increased poll percentage among women voters. At many polling stations, the difference between women and male voting percentages did not cross 5 per cent, which is a clear indication of women coming out in good numbers.
Anantapur Collector V. Durga Das, in a press release said that there were no untoward incidents that were recorded at any polling station in the two Assembly constituencies that went to polls and congratulated the police and the polling staff for the successful conduct of the election.
Meanwhile, TDP leaders MLA Paritala Sunita, ex MP Kalava Srinivasulu and MLA Palle Raghunath Reddy met District Collector V. Durga Das and appreciated his efforts in ensuring a free and fair election.
