AP MPTC, ZPTC Polling Ends Across 15 Districts, Counting Scheduled for November 7

The MPTC and ZPTC elections in Andhra Pradesh concluded on Thursday, with polling largely peaceful in several areas but marked by allegations of violence and electoral malpractice elsewhere. From clashes between rival party workers to claims of petrol bomb attacks, multiple districts reported disturbances, prompting police to register 37 incidents.

Elections were held for 582 ZPTC and 7,767 MPTC seats across 28 districts. As many as 40,679 police personnel were deployed at 31,460 polling stations. Authorities monitored the process using CCTV cameras, drones, body cameras and digital applications, while additional security was arranged at sensitive locations. DGP Harish Kumar Gupta directed officials to investigate the reported incidents and initiate legal action against those responsible. Ballot boxes were subsequently shifted to strong rooms under police escort.

However, the polling process witnessed several controversies. In Kuppam, allegations emerged that YSRCP candidate Jayakumar attacked TDP candidate Palani. The YSRCP accused the TDP of facilitating fraudulent voting and voter impersonation by bringing outsiders and college students to polling stations in Tirupati, Oteru and Angallu. Similar allegations of rigging and removal of polling agents were reported from Kanigiri, Gurazala and Darsi constituencies.

Tensions were also reported in Uravakonda, Srikakulam, Chittoor and Jammalamadugu. In Marutla village, residents allegedly seized a ballot box and tore ballot papers following accusations of rigging. At Nallapureddypalle, the YSRCP alleged petrol bomb attacks, claiming that the incidents took place in the presence of police personnel. Clashes and assaults were reported at several other locations. The party also raised objections over alleged house arrests of its leaders and the removal of polling agents. Residents of Thalapulapalle and Abbagunta reportedly boycotted polling.

Separately, polling officer Haritha Goud died after suffering a heart attack while performing election duty at Kadadarakunta village in Anantapur district. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan expressed condolences and directed officials to extend all eligible government assistance to her family without delay.

According to the revised election schedule, counting of votes will begin at 8 am on November 7, with results expected to be declared after the counting process is completed. Security arrangements will remain in place at strong rooms until the counting concludes.