Telangana may have voted differently in two polls

HYDERABAD: Enthused by the 72% voter turnout in Telangana for the assembly elections on Wednesday, the TRS expressed confidence that it will get its own majority and form the first government in the new state. But, based on inputs from its own workers in 10 districts after Lok Sabha polls concluded, TRS was not so sure it would be able to repeat its performance in the parliamentary elections, leading to the possibility that the 2.81 crore electorate of Telangana may have voted differently for the assembly and parliamentary polls.

Significantly, Hyderabad, where TRS presence is minimal, recorded the lowest turnout of 53% that was by and large peaceful barring minor incidents. Authorities brought Telangana to a virtual standstill by ensuring the closure of all shops, establishments and companies to enable the electorate to exercise their franchise.

The election was accompanied by usual complaints like delayed polling due to the EVMs not working in several places and names missing from electoral rolls. In some polling booths, despite the day temperature not crossing 38.5 degrees celsius, few voters standing in the queue fainted.

Nalgonda district, which is witnessing a triangular contest between the TRS, Congress and TDP-BJP alliance, registered the highest voter turnout of 80.5%. In 2009, the voter turnout in Nalgonda was a mere 61%. The north Telangana districts of Karimnagar, Warangal, Nizamabad and Adilabad, considered the stronghold of the pink party, recorded a high turnout. Karimnagar recorded 76% turnout and Adilabad 78% while Nizamabad registered 69%. Medak, from where TRS chief K Chandrasekhar Rao is in the fray for both the assembly and Parliament, registered 77%. In 2009, the voter turnout in Telangana was 67.7%. Based on the inputs from the districts, TRS hopes to touch the magic number of 60 seats.

However, for the Lok Sabha seats, the pink party was confident of only two seats, Nizamabad and Medak. If their reading is correct, then Telangana and perhaps Seemandhra too where polls are slated for May 7, could see the electorate voting differently for the assembly and Parliament.

Meanwhile, the Congress exuded confidence. "As per our calculation, we should get around 45 assembly and 6-8 Lok Sabha seats," said Congress sources. The TDP-BJP alliance and the YSR Congress parties, seen as Seemandhra entities, also brimmed with confidence that they will put up a good show.

"The total voter turnout is more than 72%, which is 5% more than what it was in 2009 in Telangana. The final figure may be even higher as several polling booths witnessed long queues at closing time," said Bhanwarlal, chief electoral officer of Andhra Pradesh.