State polls unique in several ways

Hyderabad, April 26: There were many firsts in the state during this general election, the most significant being a triangular contest for power.

It was the film hero Chiranjeevi and his party Praja Rajyam that changed the political equations that had been persisting in the state for years.
While the Telugu Desam, founded by the veteran actor N.T. Rama Rao broke the Congress hegemony in 1983, Chiranjeevi’s Praja Rajyam promises to provide an alternative to both the Congress and the TD.
However, despite entering the stage with a flourish, the Praja Rajyam is clearly behind the other two major players.
Organisational shortfalls, allegations of ‘ticket sales’ and migration of party leaders did sully the image of Praja Rajyam even before it got down to business.
But the Praja Rajyam feels that even if it finishes third in the race, it would score a victory. “The post poll adjustments will see Chiranjeevi emerge as Chief Minister,” said a top party leader.
It was also the first time that women and educated urban middle class youth thronged polling booths in large numbers to exercise their franchise, thanks to the intensive campaign on the need to vote.
In fact, the youth, mostly students, were excited at casting their vote, an experience they never had earlier. “We are yet to arrive at the exact percentage of the women vote but it is also unprecedented,” said source in the Chief Electoral Office.
Another significant aspect of the election was the initiative launched by EC and the police against dirty money and liquor.
“It was the DGP, Mr A.K. Mohanty, who came out with the idea of vehicle checks,” said the chief electoral officer, Dr I.V. Subba Rao.
Police and excise officials seized cash worth Rs 36 crore cash and liquor worth Rs 8 crore during vehicle checks. Also, for the first time, the EC used the services of postal department and installed drop boxes in public places to enlist more voters. “Around 11 lakh voters were added to the list through this drive,” said Dr Subba Rao.