Naidu pins hopes on high turnout

Hyderabad: The TDP president N Chandrababu Naidu interpreted the high poll turnout as a positive vote in favour of TDP. Speaking to media persons here on Wednesday, Naidu said TDP was sure to come to power and he considered it as people’s victory. Naidu said the YSRCP had tried its best to terrorise the voters and the TDP workers, but his party rank and file effectively faced the money and muscle power. “Their actions were worse than that of a mafia,” Naidu said. “YSRCP activists attacked police, media and even polling officers. This is a clear example of organised crime. They resorted to distribution of liquor and money much ahead of the polls and the violence that was witnessed today is the height of it,” he said. Naidu blamed the Election Commission, the Chief Electoral Officer and the Governor for not being able to control the flow of money and liquor.

He said about Rs 150 crore was seized, which was the highest in the country. Replying to a question, he said Narendra Modi had called him on the morning of the polling day to find out how the polling was on. Naidu said he also spoke to Pawan Kalyan and thanked him for his cooperation. “People have reposed faith in Modi, Pawan and Me and that has resulted in huge turout,” he said. He lashed out at the Centre for the manner in which it had bifurcated the State. This has resulted in Congress party getting decimated from the fray. “The YSRCP wanted to take advantage of this and played a mind-game. Jagan has no values. He incited violence even in peaceful areas like Srikakulam, Vijayangaram and East Godavari districts,” he criticised.