The AP State Election Commission issued a fresh notification on Thursday night moving polling in 100 urban local bodies to November 1. Polling was earlier set for October 28. Re-polling, where needed, will be on November 2, and votes will be counted on November 3.
Fresh nominations in four towns
The commission reviewed reports from Collectors, SPs and Police Commissioners. It found that in four urban bodies, some people could not file nominations because they were threatened, attacked or had their papers torn. It allowed nominations on October 22 and 23 in:
- Kadapa Municipal Corporation: 11 wards
- Rajampet Municipality: 11 wards
- Mydukur Municipality: all 32 wards
- Tirupati Municipal Corporation: 18 wards
Scrutiny of the new nominations and the last date for withdrawal are both on October 25.
What the parties say
The YSRCP had earlier told the commission its candidates were blocked from filing and asked for a fresh chance in 22 urban bodies. The Supreme Court order came on its petition. In a joint statement on Thursday, CM N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan and state BJP president P.V.N. Madhav said they respect the commission's decision. They alleged the YSRCP had gone to court 59 times to stop the polls.
31 incidents in one day
Separately, the DGP's office said 31 incidents were reported across 13 districts during Thursday's MPTC and ZPTC nominations, eight of them in Anantapur. Those targeted included TDP, YSRCP and CPI(M) candidates and one independent. DGP Harish Kumar Gupta said 16 cases have been registered and offenders will face action whatever their party.
