Andhra Pradesh bypolls: Counting of votes begin

Counting of votes in the bye-elections held for 12 Assembly constituencies in Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh has begun.

The counting, which began at 0800 hours, is being held at 7 centres in five districts, where 12 seats are located.

The poll was held on July 27 with ballot papers for five seats as the number of candidates had exceeded the maximum limit of 64. With existing technology, EVMs cannot be used if number of candidates exceed 64.

For the other seven seats where EVMs were used, the results would be out by afternoon.

The chief electoral officer (CEO) IV Subba Rao said several restrictions are in place at counting centres.

"Mobile phones would not be allowed inside the counting halls. Only authorised persons would be allowed inside. We are taking several precautions," he said.

Aiming at ensuring transparency in counting, the whole process will be video recorded, Rao said.

State Congress president D Srinivas and TRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao's son K T Rama Rao are among the prominent candidates in the fray. While Srinivas is contesting from Nizamabad Urban, Rama Rao is seeking re-election from Sircilla in Karimnagar district.

The by-polls were necessitated as the sitting MLAs had quit their posts in support of separate Telangana.