Andhra Pradesh Election Commission Steps Up Security Measures for Local Body Polls

Andhra Pradesh State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha, along with Dr. A. Mallikarjuna, held a review meeting on Monday, October 19, 2026, with Chief Secretary G. Sai Prasad, Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) N. Madhusudana Reddy, and Inspector General B. Rajakumari. The meeting focused on ensuring that the upcoming phases of local body elections are conducted peacefully, freely, and impartially. Against the backdrop of incidents reported in some districts, the officials reviewed security arrangements and discussed preventive measures to avoid any untoward incidents during the remaining election phases.

During the meeting, the DGP said police security arrangements in sensitive and highly sensitive areas would be reassessed, with additional personnel deployed wherever necessary. Chief Secretary G. Sai Prasad stated that district officials had already been instructed to remain vigilant and respond effectively to law-and-order challenges. The State Election Commissioner stressed that candidates must be able to file nominations freely and voters must be able to exercise their franchise without fear. He also directed officials to take strict legal action against those who violate election rules, emphasising the need for effective security and impartial enforcement throughout the electoral process.