Polling begins in Andhra by-polls

Polling began today amid tight security for by-elections in Nellore Lok Sabha and 18 assembly constituencies in Andhra Pradesh, officials said.

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Voters were seen standing in queues even before the polling began at 8 am in most of the 5,413 polling stations in these constituencies spread over 12 districts. The polling will continue till 5 pm.

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The Election Commission has made elaborate arrangements to ensure free, fair and peaceful polls, billed as the semi-final before the 2014 elections.

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About 50,000 security personnel, mostly central-armed reserve police, were deployed while almost an equal number of polling staff were on duty.

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Over 46 lakh voters will decide the political fortunes of 255 candidates, 13 of them in the Nellore Lok Sabha constituency.

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The counting of votes will be taken up Friday.

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Most of the constituencies are witnessing triangular contests among the ruling Congress party, main opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and YSR Congress Party.

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