The counting for the recently-concluded
MLC elections in the graduates' constituencies of Warangal-Nalgonda-Khammam and Hyderabad-Mahabubnagar-Rangareddy began yesterday, March 18. But since none of the candidates contesting for either seat have been able to secure the requisite number of first-preference votes, the second preference counting was started today, and is likely to go on till late at night. In fact, it may even continue till tomorrow, March 20.
So far, the TRS candidates, Surabhi Vani Devi (contesting for the Hyderabad-Mahabubnagar-Rangareddy seat) and Palla Rajeshwar Reddy (contesting for the Warangal-Nalgonda-Khammam seat), have been able to maintain comfortable leads over their rivals.
According to the latest available information, Vani Devi, with 1,12,689 votes, has a lead of 8,021 votes after seven rounds of counting. The second-highest votes have been secured, so far, by the BJP candidate for the seat, N Ramachander Rao. However, the candidates are still far from securing the magic figure reportedly required to win the seats, which is 1,79,175 votes.
Further, 22,309 votes have been discarded, indicating that a third preference count may also become necessary.
For the Warangal-Nalgonda-Khammam seat, Rajeshwar Reddy has secured 1,10,964 votes. The counting officials have also eliminated 33 contestants, and have added 124 votes to Reddy's existing tally. Here too, no candidate is close to having secured the requisite 1,83,167 votes.
Reports suggest that the results for the elections may be declared on Saturday.