Andhra Pradesh Municipal Polls: Violence and Rigging Claims

Andhra Pradesh Municipal Elections Marred by Violence, Arson, and Demands for Re-polling

Polling occurred across 92 urban local bodies in Andhra Pradesh on Sunday, November 1, 2026, amid violence, allegations of electoral irregularities, and demands for reforms from opposition leadership. The municipal elections—covering 13 municipal corporations and 79 municipalities and nagar panchayats—witnessed clashes, particularly in Kadapa and Pulivendula, where vehicles were set ablaze and candidates were allegedly attacked before ballots were even cast.

Clashes, Arson, and Allegations in Pulivendula

The electoral atmosphere turned volatile early Sunday morning. At approximately 4:30 AM, as polling agents headed toward their assigned stations, workers from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) allegedly obstructed and attacked YSRCP candidates and agents using sticks and stones. The violence resulted in three cars and ten two-wheelers being set on fire during the clashes.

YSRCP president and former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy leveled accusations against the ruling administration. Speaking to reporters, Jagan claimed that YSRCP polling agents were beaten and blocked from entering polling stations across some booths, effectively rendering the democratic process meaningless on paper.

“YSRCP agents have been beaten up and were not in a position to enter the booths. This is the plight of people who have gone for voting, and you call this democracy. Out of 80 booths, you don’t even permit the agents to sit down,” Jagan stated.

The opposition leader announced plans to approach the Supreme Court regarding the alleged administrative failures and police partisanship during the local body elections. Jagan also called for structural electoral reforms, specifically demanding mandatory live CCTV footage and changes to the process of appointing State Election Commissioners and using state police machinery.

Ruling Party Dismisses Claims

The ruling TDP pushed back against the allegations, framing the opposition’s outcry as an attempt to disrupt polling. Speaking at the TDP central office in Mangalagiri, TDP MLC Varla Ramaiah asserted that voters, including women and senior citizens, exercised their franchise starting at 7:00 AM under the supervision of the State Election Commission and the state government.

Ramaiah accused YS Jagan Mohan Reddy of orchestrating intentional chaos and arson in Pulivendula to create panic and disrupt polling. The TDP leader claimed that YSRCP supporters brought outsiders into the constituency overnight in cars and tractors to cast bogus votes. He alleged that when police intervened, frustrated cadres ignited their own vehicles to create tension and blame the ruling alliance.

Uncontested Wards and Ballot Discrepancies

The election featured uncontested victories. Out of 3,942 total wards across the 92 urban local bodies, candidates were elected unanimously in 756 wards, which included 118 seats in municipal corporations and 638 in municipalities and nagar panchayats. Chairpersons in 17 municipalities and nagar panchayats secured their positions unopposed.

Logistical mishaps occurred during the day. In the 55th division of Old Rajarajeswaripeta under the Vijayawada West constituency, candidates’ symbols were accidentally swapped on the ballot paper. The incident placed the ‘Hand’ symbol next to YSRCP candidate Shaik Basha’s name, while the ‘Fan’ symbol appeared beside Congress candidate Shareef Shaik’s name.

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