Today marks the commencement of polling in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha for the Lok Sabha and assembly elections. In Andhra Pradesh, all 175 assembly constituencies and 25 Lok Sabha seats are up for grabs, while in Odisha, voters are casting their ballots for four Lok Sabha constituencies and 28 assembly segments.
The electoral battleground in Andhra Pradesh features a three-way contest between the ruling YSR Congress (YSRCP) led by Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, the Congress-led INDIA bloc, and the NDA coalition comprising the BJP, Telugu Desam Party (TDP), and Jana Sena led by actor-politician Pawan Kalyan.
Meanwhile, in Odisha, the primary contest is between the incumbent Biju Janata Dal (BJD), the BJP, and the Congress. Voting is underway in Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Nabarangpur, Nuapada, and Kalahandi Lok Sabha constituencies alongside 28 assembly seats.
As part of the NDA’s seat-sharing arrangement in Andhra Pradesh, the TDP is contesting on 144 assembly and 17 Lok Sabha constituencies, while the BJP is fielding candidates in six Lok Sabha and 10 Assembly seats. The Jana Sena is contesting two Lok Sabha and 21 assembly seats.
Key figures participating in the Andhra Pradesh assembly polls include YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, Chandrababu Naidu, and Pawan Kalyan, among others. Notable contenders in the Lok Sabha election include YS Sharmila and BJP state chief Purandeswari.
In Andhra Pradesh, a total of 454 candidates are vying for Lok Sabha seats, while 2,387 candidates are contesting for assembly seats. The state boasts a voter base of 4.14 crore, inclusive of 2.02 crore males, 2.1 crore females, 3,421 third-gender voters, and 68,185 service electors.
In Odisha, 37 candidates are in the fray for Lok Sabha polls, and 243 nominees are contesting for the 28 assembly seats. The BJD, Congress, and BJP are contesting in all constituencies, with additional candidates from small and regional parties, along with independent candidates.
With a significant number of electors, Odisha’s voting process is set to conclude at varying times, with polling stations in remote areas scheduled to close at 4 pm and 5 pm due to Maoist activities. Over 1,264 critical polling stations, including those in Maoist-affected regions, have been identified, with 60% of booths equipped for webcasting to ensure transparency.
The Election Commission has deployed extensive security measures, including 1.06 lakh personnel in Andhra Pradesh and arrangements for smooth conduct in Odisha.
