Polling went off peacefully in all 17 ZPTCs and 304 MPTCs of Srikakulam district on Sunday although the administration anticipated trouble in several villages. As the Police Department has bounded over 21,000 people, tension got reduced drastically. Over 82 per cent polling was recorded in the district, thanks to overwhelming response from voters, particularly from women. The massive campaign taken by the district administration to create awareness has paid dividend as many youngsters thronged polling stations. However, many of them complained that their names were missing in the list though they were having voter identity cards.
There was no matching between the polling booth numbers on ID cards and the actual centres in various places. Despite many hurdles, polling was brisk in villages adjacent to Srikakulam town. Many Congress local leaders contested as independents this time, thanks to the Samaikyandhra movement.
Both TDP and YSR Congress leaders exuded confidence that they would win maximum number of seats in the local body elections. The aspirants of MLA tickets have given cooperation to the local leaders hoping that they would reciprocate during general elections. Leaders of the respective parties halted campaign for general election and monitored the local body elections till evening.
