The Andhra Pradesh urban local body elections have been halted across 100 civic bodies following directions from the Supreme Court, which asked the State Election Commission to examine allegations that violence and law-and-order problems obstructed the nomination process.
State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha ordered an immediate suspension of further election proceedings in 13 municipal corporations and 87 municipalities and nagar panchayats on Wednesday.
The election notification was issued on October 14. Candidates filed nominations between October 16 and 18, followed by scrutiny of nomination papers on October 19.
Supreme Court Seeks Review of Nomination Complaints
The decision followed a Special Leave Petition filed by the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) challenging an Andhra Pradesh High Court order that refused to extend the nomination deadline.
The Supreme Court directed the State Election Commission to postpone publication of the final candidate list until October 25. It also instructed the commission to consider representations submitted by the YSRCP and various candidates.
The court asked the commission to examine documentary and electronic evidence before deciding whether the nomination deadline should be extended in areas where candidates may have been unable to submit their papers because of the law-and-order situation.
YSRCP Alleges Attacks on Candidates
In its petition, the YSRCP alleged that violent incidents occurred during the nomination process in Punganur, Rayachoti, Kadapa and Tirupati.
The party claimed that its candidates were attacked, threatened and prevented from reaching nomination centres. It sought adequate police protection and asked authorities to ensure candidates could file nominations without fear.
These allegations remain claims made by the party and are subject to examination by the relevant authorities.
Election Commission Awaits District Reports
Punetha said the commission would issue an order on October 22 regarding a possible extension of the nomination deadline after receiving reports from district administrations.
Under the Supreme Court's directions, any extension must provide candidates with at least 48 hours from the publication of the decision. The election notification would also need to be amended accordingly.
The election process across all 100 urban local bodies will remain halted while the commission reviews the representations, evidence and district reports.
The next steps will depend on the commission's assessment of the complaints and its decision in compliance with the Supreme Court's directions.
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