YSRCP Demands Inquiry into Sharp Rise in Andhra Polling Figures

A fresh political controversy has emerged in Andhra Pradesh over the sharp rise in voter turnout recorded during the 2024 Assembly elections , with senior YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) leader and former MLA S. Shailajanath calling for a comprehensive investigation into the late surge in polling figures. He said the Election Commission of India (ECI) must provide a transparent explanation to ensure public confidence in the electoral process.

Shailajanath questioned the developments on polling day, May 13, 2024 , noting that turnout estimates during the day hovered around 68 percent but climbed sharply to approximately 81.85 percent in the final tally one of the highest participation rates in the state’s history. He expressed concern over reports that nearly 50 lakh additional votes were recorded between late night and early morning hours, arguing that the scale and timing of the increase raise serious questions. According to election rules, only voters present in queues at the close of polling are permitted to vote, and he urged authorities to verify whether the final numbers exceeded those limits.

Election authorities typically release provisional turnout figures during polling hours, with final numbers compiled later. Updates continue after polling closes as data arrives from remote polling stations and after accounting for voters still in line at closing time. Final turnout also incorporates postal ballots, service voters, absentee voters, and home voting data, which are processed after scrutiny. Officials have long maintained that such post-poll updates can significantly raise the final turnout figure.

The 2024 Andhra Pradesh election witnessed robust voter participation despite extreme summer heat, logistical challenges, and scattered incidents of violence in some areas. The turnout exceeded the 79.88 percent recorded in 2019 , reflecting strong democratic engagement across the state.

Rejecting the allegations, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) described the claims as politically motivated. Party leader N. Vijay said increases in polling percentages during the final hours are common due to heavy voter presence near closing time and delays in reporting from distant polling stations. He noted that similar trends were observed in previous elections and dismissed suggestions of irregularities as unfounded. Vijay advised those with concerns to seek clarification through official channels rather than making public accusations.

The controversy has revived earlier concerns raised by former Chief minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy , who had questioned aspects of the polling process months after the election. The renewed exchange between the ruling alliance and the opposition has turned turnout transparency into a major political talking point in the state.

With competing claims intensifying the political debate, attention has now shifted to the Election Commission , whose response and any potential clarification could prove crucial in addressing doubts and reinforcing trust in the integrity of the electoral process.