Results for: Andhra Pradesh Assembly Elections 2024

Elaborate arrangements have been made for the upcoming vote counting process in Andhra Pradesh. Over 3,000 personnel, including police officers, volunteers, and election officials, have been deployed at Priyadarsini Engineering College in Kanuparthipadu. The counting process will begin on Monday, with postal ballots being counted from 8 a.m. onwards and EVM votes being counted from 8:30 a.m. onwards. All arrangements have been finalized in accordance with the Election Commission’s guidelines, including the establishment of 17 counting halls with 14 tables in each hall. Additionally, a medical camp has been set up at the center to address any health concerns among the counting staff.

To ensure the safety of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in light of post-poll violence, officials in various districts of Andhra Pradesh have bolstered security measures at strongrooms. District Collectors and Superintendents of Police have instructed Central Armed Police Forces, Armed Reserve, and Law and Order police to maintain strict vigil at these facilities.

Polling commenced smoothly across 1,847 booths in seven assembly constituencies of Vizianagaram district on May 13, 2024. A total of 15, 62,921 eligible voters are expected to cast their ballots by 6 pm, with arrangements made to accommodate those still in line at the closing time. Over 13,661 polling officials will oversee the elections, assisted by BEL engineers in case of any technical difficulties with EVMs. The district administration has implemented various measures to increase voter turnout, including awareness campaigns, provision of facilities for differently-abled persons, and the establishment of 11 model polling stations. Security arrangements are in place, with 2,272 web cameras monitoring sensitive locations and micro observers providing regular updates to higher officials. After the polls, EVMs will be securely stored at Lendi Engineering College and JNTU-GV University until the counting day on June 4.

TDP national president N. Chandrababu Naidu reaffirmed his unwavering support for the 4% Muslim reservation and pledged to restore welfare programs scrapped by the YSRCP government. He also denounced the YSRCP’s alleged falsehood against the reservation and exposed their support for the NRC and CAA while pursuing a deceptive campaign against the bills in Andhra Pradesh. Naidu condemned Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy as a ‘betrayer of Rayalaseema’ and accused the YSRCP of cheating Backward Classes in the name of social justice. He emphasized the TDP’s commitment to providing representation for all communities in Rayalaseema, unlike the YSRCP, which allegedly marginalized dominant BC communities in the region. Naidu criticized the YSRCP’s failure to address law and order issues and denounced the ‘draconian’ AP Land Titling Act, vowing to scrap it. He appealed to the Chittoor sentiment, highlighting his connection to the district and promising to bring development and irrigation projects to the region.

Tirupati witnessed a massive influx of supporters as TDP chief N. Chandrababu Naidu and JSP chief Pawan Kalyan held a joint public address. The kilometer-long stretch from Sri Krishnadevaraya Junction to Nalugukalla Mandapam centre was packed with enthusiastic crowds. Despite a delay in the roadshow’s commencement, the leaders’ arrival was met with great excitement. However, brief power outages plunged the area into darkness, prompting allegations of deliberate sabotage. Six corporators from the ruling YSRCP have now joined the JSP, further bolstering the opposition’s presence in Tirupati. In their speeches, both Naidu and Pawan Kalyan strongly criticized the current administration, with Pawan Kalyan accusing TTD Chairman Bhumana Karunakar Reddy of amassing wealth and urging voters to donate any electoral cash they receive to the ‘Srivari Hundi.’ Naidu emphasized the importance of keeping ‘thieves’ away from the temple city to protect its sanctity. The roadshow showcased a strong alliance between the TDP and JSP and highlighted the growing public discontent with the incumbent government.

With the Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections fast approaching, political parties are turning to MGNREGA workers as campaign helpers, offering lucrative incentives. These workers, who typically earn around ₹300 per day through MGNREGA, are now being offered up to ₹600 per day, meals, and liquor. Officials report a decline in MGNREGA workforce as workers join political campaigns, raising concerns about the availability of manpower for rural development projects.

Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel from CISF, BSF, and CRPF have been deployed in Andhra Pradesh to ensure security for the upcoming Assembly Elections. They are patrolling vulnerable areas, conducting door-to-door visits, and checking vehicles for illegal transportation of liquor, cash, and valuables. Police and election authorities are also educating villagers on the importance of voting and appealing to them to exercise their franchise without fear.

The Congress party, once a dominant force in Andhra Pradesh, is set to make a comeback, according to party observer Manoj Chauhan. Citing the strong anti-incumbency sentiment and corruption prevailing in the state, Chauhan believes the Congress will emerge as a viable alternative to the ‘corrupt’ ruling YSRCP and the ‘opportunistic’ alliance of TDP, BJP, and JSP. He also highlights Congress’s consistent stand on granting Special Category Status (SCS) to Andhra Pradesh as a key factor in its resurgence.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered the immediate transfer of Director-General (Intelligence) P. Sitaramanjaneyulu and NTR Police Commissioner Kanthi Rana Tata. The officers have been instructed to hand over their responsibilities to their successors and are prohibited from performing any election-related duties.

TDP supremo N. Chandrababu Naidu’s son Nara Lokesh has declared his family assets worth nearly ₹542.7 crore. Lokesh is contesting the assembly election from the Mangalagiri segment in Andhra Pradesh. He had declared ₹373.63 crore as his family assets in the 2019 assembly polls.

Lokesh holds over one crore shares of Heritage Foods Ltd, floated by his family, worth ₹339.11 crore. His wife, Nara Brahmani, is currently the Executive Director of Heritage Foods. According to the affidavit, Lokesh holds ₹314.68 crore worth of movable assets and ₹92.31 crore worth of immovable assets, while his wife has ₹45.06 crore and ₹35.59 crore assets, respectively.

Elections for the 175-member Assembly and 25 Lok Sabha seats in Andhra Pradesh are scheduled to be held on May 13.