BJP Candidate Dies Before Counting in Luxettipet Ward

Adilabad: Bathini Ellamma, 65, a BJP candidate from Ward No. 10 (Mahalaxmiwada) of Luxettipet municipality in Mancherial district, died early on Friday morning before the commencement of vote counting.

Ellamma had fallen ill on Thursday night and was admitted to hospital. Despite her demise, she polled 171 votes and finished third in the contest.

Congress candidate Pendem Padma was elected ward councillor, securing 217 votes, three more than her nearest rival, BRS candidate Kalyani Mettu, who polled 214 votes.

A total of 910 voters were in the ward, of whom 695 exercised their franchise, including 20 postal ballots.

Some local sources said a section of Ellamma’s supporters may have shifted their support after news of her death.