Polling underway for six Rajya Sabha seats in AP

Polling began in the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly building here today for the Rajya Sabha elections for the six vacancies from the state.

Seven candidates are in fray for the six vacancies, but election turned a formality as the Congress rebel candidate pulled out of the contest yesterday.

The official candidates are - K V P Ramachandra Rao, D Subbirami Reddy and M A Khan (Cong), T Seetarama Lakshmi and G Mohana Rao (TDP), and K Keshav Rao (TRS).

Congress MLA Adala Prabhakar Reddy, who entered into the fray on the plank of 'Samaikyandhra' (integrated AP), announced his "withdrawal" from the contest yesterday.

He, however, continues to be in the contest technically as the last date for withdrawal of nominations was January 31.

The contest for the Rajya Sabha vacancies is taking place in the state only after 1999, according to official sources.

The polling began at 9 AM and will conclude at 4 PM. The counting of votes would begin at 5 PM.

The 'None of the above (NOTA)' option is available to the electors for the first time.