Seven candidates file papers for Andhra assembly by-poll

Seven candidates, including five Independents, have filed nomination papers for the Nov 8 by-election to the Allagadda assembly seat in Andhra Pradesh.

According to the chief returning officer, four Independents filed their papers Tuesday, the last day of filing nominations.

Bhuma Akhila Priya of the YSR Congress party and the daughter of Bhuma Sobha Nagi Reddy who died in a road accident days before the elections in May, has also filed nomination papers for the assembly constituency in Kurnool district.

The Election Commission did not countermand the election as the YSR Congress is not a recognised party.

As the deceased candidate won the election held in May, the poll panel decided to conduct the by-poll.

Shobha's other daughter Bhuma Mounika Reddy has also filed her nomination papers as a YSR Congress candidate. However, she will withdraw her nomination if the papers of her elder sister are found valid.

The ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has decided not to field its candidate to reciprocate the gesture of the YSR Congress, which did not contest the Nandigama assembly seat last month. The by-election was caused by the death of sitting legislator of the TDP.

The Congress has also not fielded its candidate in response to a request from the YSR Congress to all parties to make Priya's election unanimous.

The YSR Congress is also trying to convince the Independents to withdraw their nominations.