Elections for 100 urban local bodies (ULBs) across Andhra Pradesh commenced on Sunday morning, drawing voters to polling stations as early as 7 am. The electoral process, which encompasses 13 municipal corporations—including major urban centers like Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam—and 87 municipalities and nagar panchayats, is scheduled to continue until 5 pm. While officials described the voting as largely peaceful across most parts of the state, a significant instance of political unrest was reported in the Kadapa district.
In Pulivendula, a clash erupted between supporters of the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the YSRCP. According to the Kurnool Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, Koya Praveen, the confrontation involved rival political workers hurling stones at one another. Law enforcement agencies were immediately dispatched to the scene to restore order and maintain the peace. While police confirmed the incident, there was no immediate information regarding any potential injuries sustained by those involved in the altercation.
To manage the security situation in Pulivendula, approximately 1,000 police personnel have been deployed. Surveillance efforts in the area have been intensified through the use of drones and a network of CCTV cameras to monitor polling activity and deter further disturbances. DIG Koya Praveen noted that local police remain fully prepared to address any emerging security threats or disruptions throughout the remainder of the polling hours.
Statewide, authorities have implemented extensive security measures to ensure the peaceful conduct of the elections. Officials reported that 36,351 police personnel have been stationed across 4,372 locations to safeguard the integrity of the electoral process. Senior officers are actively monitoring these arrangements, particularly in areas identified as sensitive or prone to electoral disturbances. This massive mobilization of security forces is intended to prevent a repeat of incidents that occurred during the candidate nomination phase.
The current phase of voting follows an earlier period of tension, during which police had registered cases following skirmishes between TDP and YSRCP cadres during the filing of nominations. These prior events prompted heightened vigilance from the administration. The state government has recently emphasized the necessity of technology-driven policing strategies to prevent crime and maintain order during high-stakes public events like civic elections.
Political observers are monitoring the turnout and the security situation closely, particularly given the competitive nature of these local body polls. The results of these elections are expected to serve as a bellwether for political sentiment in the state's municipal areas. As the day progresses, the primary focus for the electoral commission and the state police remains the maintenance of law and order to allow citizens to exercise their franchise without fear of intimidation or violence.
As voting continues, the state remains under a high-security alert. Authorities have urged citizens and political workers to adhere to the model code of conduct to ensure the polling concludes without further incidents. Further updates on the voter turnout and any additional security developments are expected once the polls officially close at 5 pm.
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