ULB polls: Andhra Pradesh SEC extends nomination window for Kadapa, Rajampet, Mydukur and Tirupati after SC order

The Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (APSEC) has extended the nomination-filing process in selected wards of Kadapa Municipal Corporation, Rajampet Municipality, Mydukur Municipality and Tirupati Municipal Corporation, following directions from the Supreme Court.

The decision follows complaints that candidates were intimidated, attacked or prevented from filing nomination papers during the original filing window.

Acting on reports from District Election Authorities, Police Commissioners and Superintendents of Police, the SEC found sufficient grounds to extend nomination process in the affected areas. Candidates in these wards can now file their nomination papers on October 23 and 24, from 11 am to 3 pm, at the designated locations and respective Collectorates.

The extension applies to 11 wards of Kadapa Municipal Corporation—Ward Nos. 6, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, 24, 31, 34, 52 and 55—and 11 wards of Rajampet Municipality—Ward Nos. 6, 12, 13, 14, 17, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26 and 27.

It also covers all 32 wards of Mydukur Municipality and 18 wards of Tirupati Municipal Corporation—Ward Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 19, 55, 56, 57, 59, 65 and 66. All four ULBs fall within YSR Kadapa and Tirupati districts.

Supreme Court direction

The Supreme Court had directed the SEC to examine representations submitted by the YSRCP and individual candidates, including documentary and electronic evidence, and take a decision by October 22 on whether the nomination process should be extended where candidates could not file because of law and order problems. Where an extension was granted, the court required at least 48 hours from publication of the decision, through an amendment to the election notification.

The YSRCP had told the apex court that violence and threats in Punganur, Rayachoti, Kadapa and Tirupati prevented its candidates from reaching nomination centres or completing the filing process.

Revised schedule

Scrutiny of the fresh nominations will now be held on October 25 from 8 am, while the last date for withdrawal of candidature for these candidates is 3 pm on October 25.

For all 100 ULBs—including the four affected bodies—the final list of contesting candidates will be published after 3 pm on October 25.

Elections to 13 Municipal Corporations and 87 Municipalities/Nagar Panchayats remain scheduled for November 1, from 7 am to 5 pm. If required, re-polling will be held on November 2, and counting will begin at 8 am on November 3.

The revised notification was issued by State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha. The SEC said the move was intended to ensure that candidates affected by intimidation or obstruction were not denied the opportunity to contest the urban local body elections.