Andhra Pradesh Municipal Elections: Repolling Today in Four Booths Across Three Municipal Areas

The decision comes after reports of irregularities and booth capturing during the municipal elections held on November 1. Following examination of reports submitted by district election authorities, the commission declared polling in the affected booths void and directed officials to conduct fresh polling.

The repolling decision has added another political dimension to the ongoing confrontation between the ruling TDP-led NDA alliance and opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP).

Where Will Repolling Take Place?

According to the State Election Commission's orders, repolling will take place at the following locations:

1. Anantapur Municipal Corporation

- Ward 30

- Polling Station No. 30/3

- One polling booth

2. Macherla Municipality, Palnadu District

- Ward 23

- Polling Stations No. 23/1 and 23/2

- Two polling booths

3. Chimakurthy Municipality, Prakasam District

- Ward 14

- Polling Station No. 14/1

- One polling booth

In total, four polling booths across three urban local bodies will go for fresh polling.

Repolling Timings: When Can Voters Cast Their Votes?

The State Election Commission has scheduled repolling on November 2.

- Polling begins: 7:00 AM

- Polling ends: 5:00 PM

- Total polling stations: 4

- Municipal areas: 3

Voters registered in the affected polling areas will get another opportunity to exercise their democratic right.

The election authorities have also directed officials to make the necessary arrangements to ensure peaceful and transparent polling.

Why Did the Election Commission Order Repolling?

During the November 1 municipal elections, several complaints were received from different districts regarding alleged booth capturing and interference with the polling process.

After examining reports submitted by the respective district election authorities, the State Election Commission concluded that polling in the four identified booths had been vitiated.

The commission therefore decided to cancel the earlier polling in those booths and conduct fresh elections.

The decision is significant because it demonstrates that complaints regarding the electoral process can lead to corrective action when supported by the findings of election authorities.

Jagan's Allegations and YSRCP's Repolling Demand

YSRCP president and former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy strongly criticised the conduct of the municipal elections.

He alleged that YSRCP polling agents were prevented from entering several polling stations, particularly in Pulivendula.

Jagan claimed that out of 80 polling booths in Pulivendula, his party's agents were allowed to function in only 10 booths.

He demanded repolling across all 80 booths and questioned the role of police and election officials.

YSRCP leaders also raised complaints about alleged intimidation and irregularities in several other municipalities.

However, the Election Commission's November 2 repolling order specifically covers the four identified polling stations in Anantapur, Macherla and Chimakurthy. It does not amount to approval of all the opposition's wider allegations.

What About the Municipal Election Counting?

The counting of votes for Andhra Pradesh's urban local body elections is scheduled for November 3, 2026.

The results will cover 92 urban local bodies, including 13 municipal corporations, 73 municipalities and six Nagar Panchayats.

The repolling votes will also need to be included in the relevant counting process according to the election authorities' instructions.

The results are expected to provide an important political indication of the strength of the TDP-led NDA alliance and YSRCP in urban Andhra Pradesh.

Conclusion

The Andhra Pradesh municipal elections have entered another crucial phase with repolling ordered in four booths across Anantapur, Macherla and Chimakurthy.

The decision follows complaints and official reports concerning irregularities during the November 1 polling.

With fresh polling scheduled for November 2 and counting on November 3, all eyes are now on the State Election Commission and the upcoming municipal election results.

The priority should remain ensuring that every eligible voter gets a fair opportunity to cast their vote without intimidation or interference.