Published Oct 17, 2026 | 3:05 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 17, 2026 | 3:05 PM
Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission issues directives. (Supplied)
Synopsis: Following the clashes and complaints from leaders, the Election Commission made it clear that complaints regarding obstacles to filing nominations or emerging law and order problems would be viewed seriously. The State Election Commission warned that disciplinary action—including transfer, removal from duty, or suspension if necessary—would be taken against officials who show negligence in their duties or act in a biased manner. Election Commissioner Punetha directed Collectors and District Election Officers to strictly implement these orders and submit a report to the State Election Commission on the actions taken.
Tensions continued to prevail amid the ongoing nomination process for the local body polls in Andhra Pradesh.
A day after clashes broke out in Punganur of Annamayya district, on Saturday, 17 October, tensions have been reported at nomination centres in Kadapa and Tirupati.
During nominations in Kadapa, clashes broke out between YSRCP and TDP factions. Both groups attacked each other after TDP cadres obstructed YSRCP members who were arriving to file their nominations.
Several vehicles were vandalized in the mutual attacks. YSRCP leaders alleged that their cadres coming to file nominations are being blocked, and that these attacks are taking place right in the presence of the police.
Following which, the District SP inspected the nomination centres in Kadapa.
In Rajampet of Kadapa district, stone-pelting occurred during nominations. Consequently, the police resorted to a lathi-charge against those attacking each other.
Following the clashes, the police issued notices to several YSRCP leaders, including Avinash Reddy, Ravindranath Reddy, and Amzath Basha. The police also instructed the YSRCP leaders not to create riots or disturbances and made it clear that rallies and protests must not be held as Section 144 is in force.
In Tirupati, rivals snatched the nomination papers from the hands of MP Gurumoorthy, who had gone to file a nomination on behalf of a YSRCP candidate, and fled.
MP Gurumoorthy alleged that the DSP took the nomination papers from his hands and handed them over to TDP leaders, and lodged a complaint with the Election Commission regarding this matter.
He questioned what the plight of common citizens would be if he, despite being an MP, was prevented from filing a nomination.
Police issue notice to MP Avinash
Following the clashes that took place in Punganur on Friday, 16 October, the police registered cases against several individuals, including YSRCP MP Mithun Reddy.
Amid the tensions, heavy forces were deployed in Punganur of Annamayya district. Three cases were registered regarding the clashes at the nomination centre.
After examining the visuals of the attacks related to the clashes, the police identified around 70 people. Special teams are searching to trace the whereabouts of those who participated in the violence.
The Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (APSEC) has issued key directives regarding the nomination process for urban local body elections in the state.
These measures were taken in the wake of complaints made by political parties stating that candidates were not being allowed to file nominations and that nomination papers were being snatched in some areas.
As part of the orders issued on 16 October, the Election Commission directed Collectors, District Election Officers, Police Commissioners, and SPs to deploy additional police forces to prevent law and order issues at nomination centers. The Election Commission made it clear that all eligible candidates must be given the opportunity to file their nominations in accordance with the rules.
It advised setting up CCTV cameras inside and around nomination centers and preserving the footage related to the election process. Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha reiterated that orders have been issued to arrange adequate police security to conduct elections in a free, fair, and peaceful atmosphere.
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In its circular, the Election Commission also mentioned the High Court’s directives on a writ petition filed on the same issue. It noted that the High Court ordered officials appointed for election duties to clearly display their identity cards, and if observers or any other officials ask for identification, they must immediately show their ID cards and confirm their details.
The Election Commission made it clear that complaints regarding obstacles to filing nominations or emerging law and order problems would be viewed seriously.
The State Election Commission warned that disciplinary action—including transfer, removal from duty, or suspension if necessary—would be taken against officials who show negligence in their duties or act in a biased manner.
Election Commissioner Punetha directed Collectors and District Election Officers to strictly implement these orders and submit a report to the State Election Commission on the actions taken.
(Edited by Sumavarsha)
