Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (SEC) has ordered an immediate halt to election proceedings for all 100 urban local bodies following Supreme Court directions, amid allegations of violence and obstruction during the nomination process.

State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha directed officials to stop further proceedings across 13 municipal corporations and 87 municipalities and nagar panchayats.

The SEC issued the election notification on October 14. Nominations were accepted from October 16 to 18, and scrutiny was completed on October 19.

Supreme Court Orders Review of Complaints

The Supreme Court intervened on October 21 following a petition by the opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP). A vacation bench directed the SEC to defer publication of the final list of candidates until October 25. The list was originally expected around October 21.

The court also asked the commission to examine complaints, supporting material and electronic evidence concerning alleged obstruction during the nomination process.

The SEC was directed to decide by October 22 whether nominations should be extended in areas where candidates could not submit their papers because of law-and-order problems. Any extension was to allow at least 48 hours from publication of the decision.

Additional Time in Four Urban Local Bodies

On October 22, the SEC extended the nomination process by 48 hours in four urban local bodies after reviewing reports of intimidation, attacks, destruction of nomination papers and other barriers faced by candidates seeking to contest.

The additional nomination window was fixed for October 23 and 24, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both days.

Clashes Reported at Nomination Centres

The nomination phase saw clashes between supporters of the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the YSRCP at several centres across the state. Video clips circulated showing nomination forms being snatched and torn.

Incidents were reported in Punganur, Rayachoti, Kadapa, Tirupati and Pulivendula. Police used tear gas shells and fired in the air to disperse crowds in some cases. Vehicles were set on fire at certain locations, and injuries were also reported.

YSRCP and TDP Exchange Allegations

The YSRCP alleged systematic interference by TDP workers and supporters. It claimed that its candidates were attacked, threatened, stopped from reaching nomination centres or had their nomination papers destroyed.

The party claimed that roughly 63.5% of its candidates in certain urban bodies could not file nominations. It sought police protection to ensure candidates could submit their papers freely.

The YSRCP had earlier approached the Andhra Pradesh High Court, which declined a broad extension of the nomination deadline, before taking the matter to the Supreme Court.

The TDP rejected the allegations and accused the YSRCP of causing disruptions, organising large unauthorised gatherings and attempting to derail the elections. Both parties submitted complaints to election authorities.

Polling Date Subject to Further Decisions

The SEC is reviewing detailed reports from district collectors, election officials and police chiefs before deciding its next steps.

While further election proceedings have been halted and publication of the final candidate lists deferred, authorities have indicated that polling remains scheduled for November 1, subject to adjustments following the reviews.

The Supreme Court emphasised the need to protect free and fair elections, including the right to file nominations, from disruption caused by law-and-order problems. The matter is due for further consideration, with compliance reports expected.