The Election Commission on Saturday announced that 73.20 percent polling was registered in the Telangana Assembly elections on Friday. The announcement came more than 24 hours after the polling ended in all 119 constituencies.
Suspense continued throughout the day over the final figure of voter turnout. Telangana Chief Electoral Officer Rajat Kumar had stated late on Friday that 67 percent polling was recorded at 5 pm. Since those standing in queues were allowed to vote even after 5 and this process continued for four to five hours in some polling centres, the final figure was estimated at 69.1 percent.
Over 2.8 crore people were eligible to vote. According to a statement released by Election Commission Saturday night, among 31 districts, Yadadri Bhongir recorded the highest turnout of 90.95 percent.
Hyderabad recorded lowest turnout of 48.89 percent. This was earlier estimated at 50 percent. Most constituencies around Hyderabad also recorded low turnout of 50-55 percent.
The rural areas recorded heavy polling with many constituencies witnessing over 80 percent turnout. According to reports received till Friday evening, Madhira constituency in Khammam district registered the highest turnout of 91.65 percent. Other areas like Alair saw a turnout of 91.33%.
Many districts in northern Telangana saw a high voter turnout with 85.97% in Kumaram Bheem Asifabad district, 83.37% in Adilabad district, 81.22% in Nirmal district and 80.58% in Pedapalli district.
Kamareddy district also saw a high voter turnout at 83.05% while the figure for Sangareddy district was 81.94%. The two constituencies in Medak district saw a total turnout of 88.24%.
The lowest 40.18 percent was recorded in Charminar constituency in Hyderabad. In fact, most constituencies in the old city area witnessed a low turnout with Yakutpura standing at 41.24% and Chandrayangutta at 46.11%.
Jubilee Hills, one of the most affluent areas in the city also registered a dismal voter turnout as only 45.61% of registered voters turned up to cast their vote.
This was the first Assembly elections in India's youngest state. The previous elections were held in united Andhra Pradesh in 2014 and Telangana had recorded a turnout of 68.9 percent. Counting of votes will be taken up on December 11.
IANS inputs