Pulivendula, Ontimitta | August 14, 2025:
The ZPTC by-elections in Pulivendula and Ontimitta are high-stakes affairs. Pulivendula, once ruled by the YS political family, has become a prestige battlefield. YSRCP candidate T. Hemanth Reddy faces off against TDP’s M. Latha Reddy in closely watched contests.
Legal tensions preceded the polls. The Andhra Pradesh High Court dismissed YSRCP’s plea to shift polling stations but granted interim relief to some party leaders facing legal action over pre-election disturbances.
Re-polling took place peacefully at two stations in Pulivendula following allegations of rigging and booth tampering. Turnout remained high—76.4% in Pulivendula and 81.5% in Ontimitta.
YSRCP also raised strong objections to alleged relocation of polling booths, arguing the move disenfranchised thousands of voters. TDP dismissed this as baseless, questioning the motive behind the allegations.
Live Highlights
- Vote counting has begun for Pulivendula and Ontimitta ZPTC by-elections.
- Counting is taking place at Maulana Azad National Urdu University Polytechnic College.
- Pulivendula results are expected after one round over 10 tables.
- Ontimitta will be counted across three rounds, also using 10 tables.
- Each table has 1 supervisor and 2 assistants overseeing the count.
- Around 100 staff—including supervisors, assistants, and statistical officers—are deployed.
- Strong security is in place to ensure a smooth and transparent process.
- Officials anticipate results by noon today