Huzurabad by-poll witnesses a record break 86.64% voter turnout

This marks the highest voting percentage recorded in recent times. In 2018, the voter turnout was 84.42%.

Besides isolated incidents of clashes between TRS and emerging Opposition BJP, the overall election was a smooth affair.

Meanwhile, Telangana chief electoral officer (CEO) Dr. Shashank Goel on Saturday said the Huzurabad Assembly by-poll was going on peacefully.

Dr. Goel, who inspected the polling stations in Kamalapur, said 88 complaints were received so far. The election observers are collecting evidence in this regard, he added.

On reports of money being distributed to voters, he said the allegations will be verified. If it is proved, the Election Commission will take action after the completion of the voting process, the CEO added.

The by-poll was necessitated following the resignation of former health minister Eatala Rajendar from the K. Chandrashekar Rao Cabinet. He also resigned as Huzurabad MLA and later joined the BJP. Saturday's votes will decide the fate of Gellu Srinivas Yadav (TRS), Eatala Rajender (BJP), and Balmoor Venkat Nursing Rao (Congress) in a three-cornered contest which is being considered a prestige battle for TRS president and Chief Minister KCR. The counting will take place on 2 November.

Mr. Rajender has been winning from Huzurabad Assembly constituency on TRS ticket since 2009. He first defeated V. Krishna Mohan Rao of Congress by 15,035 votes. In the 2010 by-poll, he increased his victory margin to nearly 80,000 against his nearest rival M. Damodar Reddy of TDP. In the 2014 election held just before the formation of Telangana, the former minister won the seat with a margin of 57,037 votes. K. Sudershan Reddy of Congress was the runner-up. Mr. Rajender continued his winning streak from Huzurabad in 2018, defeating his nearest rival Kaushik Reddy of Congress by 47,803 votes.