Record number of 5,39,189 postal ballots in AP, leads to confusion over counting

AMARAVATI: The ECI has started counting arrangements for the record number of 5,39,189 postal ballot votes in Andhra Pradesh.

According to the latest count from the districts, the highest number of 38,865 postal ballots were polled in the Srikakulam district, followed by 25,283 votes in the Nandyal district, 24,918 in the Kadapa district, and the lowest number of 15,320 votes in Narasapuram.

Counting arrangements are being made based on the number of postal votes. Tables will be arranged for the counting of postal ballots in each Lok Sabha constituency. The election commission sent information to the returning officers on how much to count in each table.

On the other hand, the TDP has requested the ECI to allow the counting of ballots even without the returning officer's seal on the back of the postal ballot. The state CEO Mukesh Kumar Meena verbally agreed to consider even those ballots that do not have a signature.

However, the TDP wants the CEO to give orders in writing. If agreed the declaration will be considered even if there is no seal signed by the gazetted officer, the returning officer's facsimile, or the gazetted officer's signature as it is the responsibility of the Election Commission, the opposition says.

The record number of postal ballots and the logistic issues in the process of counting also led to confusion in the ruling YCP.