State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha confirmed that the 100 urban local bodies in Andhra Pradesh held elections on Sunday with only isolated disturbances, and 275 First Information Reports were filed for 40 incidents.
The delay in Vijayawada’s Ward 55 saw polling hours extended from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. after technical glitches – a decision aimed at safeguarding voters’ rights.
Punetha reviewed the process with collectors from 12 districts, including Kadapa, Palnadu, and Anantapur. Complaints were being examined by district officials, police, and observers; any proven misconduct would lead to enforcement under the law.
A 63‑year‑old shopkeeper in Vijayawada anxiously waited until 7:30 p.m. to cast his ballot, a day that saw his community vote in a calm atmosphere despite the earlier hiccup.
By 3 p.m., preliminary figures showed a 48.03 percent turnout. The final polling percentage will be declared on Monday once all polling stations and reception centres submit their complete data.
Inspector General of Police Rajakumari reiterated that each reported incident would be investigated, with arrests made where evidence warrants it.