YSRCP senior leaders, including MLC Lella Appireddy, arrived at the Andhra Pradesh Election Commission office on Friday to file a formal complaint alleging irregularities and violence during the local body elections. The delegation demanded immediate action to safeguard candidates and ensure a free and fair voting process.
State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha announced a 48‑hour extension of the nomination period in Kadapa, Rajampet, Mydukuru, and Tirupati municipalities, citing an October 21 Supreme Court order. The extension, set for October 23 and 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., aims to address procedural lapses flagged by the YSRCP.
In its Special Leave Petition, the YSRCP highlighted violent incidents in Punganur, Rayachoti, Kadapa and Tirupati, where candidates were reportedly assaulted, threatened, and barred from reaching nomination centres. A YSRCP candidate in Punganur was forced to seek police protection after being attacked by local goons.
The Supreme Court, after receiving the petition, postponed the publication of the final candidate list until October 25, giving the Election Commission additional time to investigate the allegations. The court’s decision sets the stage for a critical audit of the nomination process before the upcoming local elections.
Observers say the extended deadline could expose further irregularities, while YSRCP officials insist the move is necessary to uphold electoral integrity. The Election Commission is expected to release an updated list of candidates early next week, following the court’s review.