AP Bypolls 2012: Over 80 Percent Voting Recorded

According to Chief Election Commisioner VS Sampath, over 80 percent voting has been recorded in the polling held today (12-06-2012) for 1 Lok Sabha and 18 Assembly constituencues in Andhra Pradesh.

The bypolls are seen as crucial for YSR Congress Chief Jagan Mohan Reddy, who is currently in CBI custody over a disproportionate assets case, and the Congress. Jagan Reddy is in the Chanchalguda prison and will remain there as his custody was extended till 25 June on Monday.

The Assembly seats including one in Telangana fell vacant following the disqualification of Congress rebels who joined Jagan's party. The Tirupati Assembly seat fell vacant following Praja Rajyam Chief Chiranjeevi's election to the Rajya Sabha. These are also the first elections to take place after the recent hike in fuel prices and the YSR Congress chief's arrest. The question is will he be able to dent the Congress' fortunes even as he sits in prison?