Published Nov 01, 2026 | 11:20 AM ⚊ Updated Nov 01, 2026 | 12:14 PM
Excluding the seats won uncontested, elections are being held across 92 urban local bodies.
Polling has commenced across Andhra Pradesh’s 92 urban local bodies, including 13 municipal corporations, 79 municipalities, and nagar panchayats. The polling began at 7:00 AM on Sunday, November 1. Within hours, violent incidents were reported from Kadapa, Pulivendula, Tadipatri, and Atmakur.
In Pulivendula, tensions flared after TDP workers allegedly attempted to attack YSRCP candidate Y.S. Prameelamma. YSRCP leaders alleged that their polling agents were being blocked from entering polling stations.
A tense atmosphere gripped Pulivendula even before polling commenced. At around 4:30 AM, as polling agents were heading to their stations, TDP workers allegedly obstructed and attacked the YSRCP candidates and agents with sticks and stones. Three cars and 10 two-wheelers were set on fire in the clashes.
The YSRCP alleged that the police were colluding with the ruling party in Kadapa and Pulivendula.
A dispute broke out at the polling booths for wards 17, 18, and 19 in Erragudipalem, Pulivendula. When YSRCP cadres raised objections alleging that their agents were not being allowed inside, a heated argument and scuffle ensued between TDP and YSRCP activists.
In a separate incident, police resorted to lathi-charge following a stone-pelting attack by a mob near a polling booth in Pulivendula.
YSRCP MP Avinash Reddy alleged that in Pulivendula, Jammalamadugu and Anantapur, fake voters were being brought from other areas to rig the elections.
Reddy alleged that there was no response from the District Collector, the SP, or Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha despite receiving complaints.
He also accused TDP leaders Parthasarathi Reddy, BTech Ravi, Chaitanya Ravi, and Shesha Reddy of attacking YSRCP supporters heading to polling stations near the YS VRM School. Reddy also alleged that Pushparaj and Parthasarathi Reddy assaulted reporters and smashed their phones and cameras.
He alleged that the police refused to take action against the TDP leaders, despite formal complaints being lodged against them. Reddy accused the DIG of acting like a TDP worker.
Reddy also accused the police of personally allowing outsiders into Kadapa and Pulivendula, adding that the Election Commission has failed to respond to these “state-sponsored” acts of violence.
Meanwhile, officials initially denied landing permission for the helicopter carrying YSRCP chief Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy to Pulivendula. As a result, his helicopter circled above the Pulivendula helipad for a while.
Permission was eventually granted, allowing him to land and head to the Bakarapuram camp office.
In the 55th division of Old Rajarajeswaripeta under the Vijayawada West constituency, candidates’ symbols were accidentally swapped on the ballot paper.
The ‘Hand’ symbol was printed next to the name of YSRCP candidate Shaik Basha, while the ‘Fan’ symbol appeared next to Congress candidate Shareef Shaik’s name.
Following a formal complaint by the YSRCP candidate regarding the mix-up, voting was temporarily halted. Polling resumed after corrected ballot papers were printed, causing a delay of nearly two and a half hours.
Also Read: If YSRCP didn’t get ya, TDP will: Andhra Pradesh’s brand image under siege from both sides
State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha visited the polling station in VTPS Colony to inspect the voting process on the ground.
During the visit, he reviewed the polling station arrangements and facilities provided to voters. He examined the security measures taken by officials to ensure free, fair, and peaceful elections, instructing them to ensure necessary arrangements remain in place so voters can exercise their franchise without inconvenience.
Elections were notified for a total of 100 urban local bodies across the state. Excluding the seats won uncontested, elections are being held across 92 urban local bodies, comprising 13 municipal corporations and 79 municipalities and nagar panchayats.
Out of the 3,942 total wards, candidates were elected unanimously in 756 wards, including 118 in municipal corporations and 638 in municipalities and nagar panchayats. Similarly, chairpersons in 17 municipalities and nagar panchayats were elected unopposed.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
