HYDERABAD: Despite the sporadic incidents, polling was largely peaceful across the State, claimed authorities. No untoward incidents were reported from the other 13 Maoist affected constituencies. In Khammam, however, alleged Maoist militants tried to plant a landmine on the route through which EVMs were carried after polls. They were arrested based on a tip-off and attack was busted.
In city, complaints were filed against AIMIM and MBT for alleged violation of MCC. Hours after polling started, MBT leader Amjed Ullah Khan lodged a complaint with police against AIMIM candidate Ahmed Pasha Qadri. Qadri was accused of being seen “with a mob” near Polling Station No: 219 in Yakutpura segment. MBT leaders also complained of being attacked and locked up by AIMIM workers inside polling stations 147, 148 149 and 150. Owaisi, for his part, complained that MBT leaders were “stalling polling at stations.” MBT leaders were insisting on voter ID when the voter slip is sufficient, the complaint said.
Voter percentage in Maoist areas
Polling went on peacefully in areas with Maoist presence in Adilabad, Bhupalpally & erstwhile Khammam districts on Friday. A large contingent of police personnel was deployed in the areas to maintain law and order. Unlike other constituencies, polling began at 7 am in the areas and ended at 4 pm. The average polling percentage in areas with Maoist presence in Mancherial district was 64.38 percent, in Kumrambheem district the voting per cent stood at 74.5.