Women voters exercised their franchise with zeal in various polling stations here, thanks to their huge enrolment for the North Andhra Graduates’ Constituency. Despite not having separate queues, they stood along with men for longer hours to cast their vote. It took more than one hour to cast vote in places such as Amadalavalasa.
First time voters
With most of the electorate being first time voters, they showed a lot of enthusiasm in the process.
“Many of us got a chance to vote for the first time. It helps us elect intellectuals who can raise peoples’ issues in the Council in a systematic manner,” said Soujanya, a doctor from Narasannapeta.
“My parents told me that participation of women had been less in the previous elections. They encouraged me to enrol myself for the Council elections. I am happy as I am one among the privileged voters,” said K. Lakshmi of Amadalavalasa.
A few women voters were unhappy as there were no separate queues for them.
“Officials should have taken extra care in making arrangements for women. Except for the long waiting period, everything else is good,” said M. Vijaya, another voter.
In all, 8,103 women enrolled their names in the election. The total number of votes in Srikakulam district is 31,381.
Around 65% polling was witnessed in the district. The election process passed off peacefully in all the 54 polling stations.
District Collector P. Lakshmi Narasimham and Superintendent of Police J. Brahma Reddy visited various polling stations in Srikakulam, Amadalavalasa, Tekkali and Palasa.
Srikakulam MLA Gunda Lakshmi Devi visited various booths and enquired about the polling trends. The TDP extended its support to BJP nominee P.V.N. Madhav.
In the race
Others in the race were Left parties-backed PDF nominee Aja Sarma and independents Chintada Ravi Kumar and V.V. Ramanamurthy.
