From campaigning, scene now shifts to betting

Visakhapatnam: Ever since the election notification was issued, candidates of various parties went on a campaigning-spree as if there is no tomorrow. With the polls in Andhra Pradesh concluded on Thursday, the scene now shifts to a new direction as the punters get busy in betting big for the outcome of the elections.

Though the YSRCP exudes confidence in forming the government next, TDP too is equally sure of retaining power despite the EVMs failure and other setbacks experienced as part of the first phase of the general elections. The billion-dollar question is who would form the government next?

Supporters of major parties, including TDP, YSRCP and JSP, are reportedly shelling out a whopping sum debating over winning chances of their favourite candidates. After polling, the atmosphere normally cools off. However, the heat continues to be on till the results are announced. Since general elections are conducted in phases, candidates become restless and so are the party supporters.

After voting, now is the time for some guess work. While some appear to be tight-lipped, many debate over who would form the next government. For some, busy junctions, bus stops and auto-rickshaw stands turn out to be the venues to engage in such serious discussion which at times leads to betting.

"Depending on the individual's capacity, the amount involved in betting ranges from Rs 10,000 to Rs1 lakh. One of my friends placed a bet on a candidate's winning chance for Rs 25,000," says a first-time voter, on condition of anonymity.

In Gajuwaka, Jana Sena supporters feel confident about Pawan Kalyan emerging victorious. "The State should be governed by a new leader who is more accountable and would think of social and moral well-being of the people apart from ensuring a corruption-free government," says K Ramana Rao, a JSP supporter at NAD bus stop. Some expressed surprise over betting being resorted to in open places without any hesitation.