Suryaa News Desk: Polling for ZPTC and MPTC elections in the Santabommali mandal concluded on Thursday. Voting began at 7:00 AM across 74 polling stations. While the process was initially slow, with approximately 25 percent turnout by the afternoon, participation increased later in the day. Out of 60,562 registered voters, over 37,000 exercised their franchise, resulting in a total voter turnout of 62.33 percent.
Elections were held for one ZPTC seat and 20 MPTC seats, as no seats were won unanimously. Candidates from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) contested all positions.
The polling process was largely peaceful, with the exception of a minor altercation between TDP and YSRCP workers at the Akashalakkavaram polling station. Allegations were raised that TDP leaders seized a cellphone from journalists who were recording the incident. Journalists expressed dissatisfaction, stating that the Naupada Sub-Inspector did not respond as expected when the matter was brought to his attention.
TDP ZPTC candidate Pukkalla Padma cast her vote in her native village of Jagannadhapuram, while YSRCP ZPTC candidate Pala Lakshmi voted in Kesunayudupeta. Due to voters remaining in queues at the Naupada and Santabommali polling stations after 5:00 PM, polling continued until 7:00 PM in accordance with election regulations.