If YSR Congress chief Jaganmohan Reddy wins 17 out of the 18 assembly seats up for byelections, then a huge contingent of MLAs from both the Congress and TDP will turn up at Raj Bhavan to swear loyalty to him, said political sources on Monday. In fact, this number could be as large as 25, they claimed. Most MLAs would be from the Congress, but there might be a significant number of TDP MLAs as well, the sources said. However, it does seem the contest will be lot closer than previously assumed.

“Last few days have seen hectic campaigning and money flow. A close contest is on,” said a party office-bearer. Although the exact estimate of the money spent by political parties can’t be made, analysts claim it could be over Rs 300 crore: roughly Rs 20 crore or more per seat. Some have even said the total expense could go up to Rs 500 crore. Community leaders who can swing votes have been paid extensively, as also individual voters. In some seats, each vote is priced at Rs 2,000. Today YSRC party started distributing money at polling booth was red handedly caught on cameras