Andhra Pradesh bypolls: Over 80 pc voting recorded, says CEC

Hyderabad: Over 80 per cent polling has been recorded by 6 pm in the bypolls to the Nellore Lok Sabha seat and the 18 Legislative Assembly constituencies on Tuesday, CEC VS Sampath said at a press conference.

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 will is in the Chanchalguda prison and will remain there as his custody was extended on Monday.

The Assembly seats including one in Telangana fell vacant following the disqualification of Congress rebels who joined Jagan's party.

18 Assembly seats went to polls on Tuesday, with the elections being seen as crucial for YSR Cong Chief Jagan Mohan Reddy and the Congress.

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?

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