Voting has begun for the by-polls to Nellore Lok Sabha and 18 Assembly Constituencies in Andhra Pradesh. The voting, which began at 8 AM, will end at 5 PM. Elaborate security arragements have been made to ensure free and fair polls. Over 46 lakh voters are expected to exercise their franchise at 5,413 polling stations. A total of 255 candidates are in the fray. Our correspondent has filed this report:

The crucial phase of polling in the bye-elections for a Lok Sabha and 18 Assembly segments has just begun. With over 60 percent of the total polling stations being identified as sensitive, massive security arrangements have been made by deploying 138 companies of central armed forces, 56 companies of AP Special Police and about 5000 inspectors and constables.

Following seizure of unaccounted cash and gold worth 55 crore rupees which is the highest in the state election history, the election authorities have taken all measures to prevent electoral malpractices. Keeping tight vigil over the entire poll process, Webcasting is being done from all the polling stations to monitor from the constituency, district and state headquarters. For the first time, the Electoral Photo Identity Cards and Voter slips issued by the election authorities are being allowed as the only means for Voter Identity.

With all major political parties including Congress, TDP, YSR Congress party, BJP, Lok Satta and TRS fielding their candidates, the fight at majority seats has become either three or multi cornered contests. The by-elections were forced following the resignation of a Congress MP and disqualification of 17 state legislators.

Tirupati assembly seat fell vacant after the election of the sitting MLA Chiranjeevi to Rajya Sabha. -Lakshmi,airnews, Hyderabad