Published Oct 22, 2026 | 10:49 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 22, 2026 | 10:49 PM
State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha.
Synopsis: The Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission has reopened nominations for 72 wards in four urban local bodies for two days after finding that candidates were unlawfully prevented from filing papers amid intimidation and threats. The decision follows a Supreme Court order directing the Commission to examine complaints and allow fresh nominations where the allegations were found to be valid.
The Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (SEC) has reopened nominations for specified wards in four urban local bodies for two days after finding that candidates were unlawfully prevented from filing their papers amid intimidation, threats and physical obstruction.
State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha issued a notification on Thursday, 22 October, allowing fresh nominations on 23 and 24 October in the Kadapa Municipal Corporation, Rajampet Municipality and Mydukur Municipality in YSR Kadapa district, and the Tirupati Municipal Corporation.
The decision follows a Supreme Court order on 21 October directing the SEC to examine complaints and evidence of candidates being obstructed from filing nominations and to provide a minimum 48-hour window wherever the grievances were substantiated. The court also directed the Commission to defer publication of the final list of contesting candidates until 25 October.
The SEC said it had examined reports from District Collectors, District Election Authorities, Commissioners of Police and Superintendents of Police, along with candidates’ petitions and electronic evidence, before identifying the wards where nominations had been unlawfully obstructed. Complaints included allegations of intimidation, physical attacks and nomination papers being torn.
Nominations will be accepted from 11 am to 3 pm on both days. Candidates can file their papers at the original nomination centres designated by Returning Officers on 16 October or at alternative centres within the respective Collectorate premises designated by the District Election Authority.
The extension covers 11 wards in the Kadapa Municipal Corporation—6, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 24, 31, 34, 52 and 55—and 11 wards in Rajampet Municipality: 6, 12, 13, 14, 17, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27.
In Mydukur Municipality, the extension covers all 32 wards. In the Tirupati Municipal Corporation, it applies to 18 wards: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 19, 55, 56, 57, 59, 65 and 66.
The fresh nominations will be scrutinised from 8 am on 25 October. Candidates who file under the extended window can withdraw their nominations until 3 pm that day. The final list of contesting candidates will be published after 3 pm.
Also Read: House arrests of YSRCP leaders amid ZPTC, MPTC nominations in Andhra Pradesh
The SEC had notified the second ordinary elections to 13 municipal corporations and 87 municipalities and nagar panchayats on 14 October. Nominations were originally scheduled for 16 to 18 October, scrutiny for 19 October, and withdrawal until 3 pm on 21 October.
The YSRCP subsequently approached the Supreme Court, alleging irregularities and intimidation during the nomination process. Following the court’s 21 October order, the SEC halted further election proceedings across all 100 urban local bodies while it examined the complaints.
Polling across all 100 urban local bodies, including the Vizianagaram Municipal Corporation, is scheduled for 1 November from 7 am to 5 pm. Counting will begin at 8 am on 3 November.
The SEC will issue a separate schedule for indirect elections to the posts of mayor, deputy mayor, chairperson and vice-chairperson.
(Edited by Dese Gowda with inputs from Sarath Chandra B)
