Stage has been set for by-polls to 18 assembly constituencies and one Lok Sabha constituency in Andhra Pradesh today. The by-polls started in the morning and a large number of people have been thronging for casting their votes not caring the heavy raifall at many areas. This ballot battle means a lot to YSR Congress and Congress parties since by-polls resulted because of Congress MLAs being disqualified as they voted against the government last year when TDP moved no confidence motion. The disqualified MLAs later joined YSR Congress party trigerring a cold war between both the parties. While Congress earlier termed the by-elections as no referendum, YSR Congress leaders are trying to make their point through these elections. Meanwhile, CPI termed the by-polls as a battle that resulted due to money power.

All in all the fate of the candidates has been sealing in many parts of the state already. While TRS exuded confidence that it would win in Parakala constituency, Congress said it would draw legislator seat without any doubt in Tirupati. One has to wait for another couple of days to know what the result would be.

(Phani)