High-stakes poll battle across 5 states ends as T'gana casts vote

Around 23 million people voted across 119 constituencies in Telangana on Thursday as the southern state recorded a poll percentage of 70.60% by 11 pm.

- Srinivasa Rao Apparasu

Election Commission authorities said that thousands of people continued to stand in queues well past the deadline of 5pm, and that the final turnout numbers could well inch closer to the figure of 73.74% five years ago.

Telangana chief electoral officer (CEO) Vikas Raj said barring minor clashes and skirmishes, the polling was by-and-large peaceful and there were no recommendations from the returning officers for repolling in any booths. The counting of votes will be conducted on December 3.

Maximum polling of 83.34% was recorded at Jangaon, followed by 83% at Narasampet, 82.75% at Dubbak, 82.34% at Nakrekal, 81.23% at Palakurthy and 81.04 at Bhongir.