Gudur Municipal Elections Halted Again as Supreme Court Petition Delays Polls

Municipal elections in Gudur, Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh, have reportedly been put on hold once again following a petition filed in the Supreme Court challenging the merger of nearby villages into the municipality. In 2019, the state government merged parts of Chennur, Nellatur, Divipalem, Potupalem and Chillakur with Gudur Municipality. The merger was subsequently challenged in court, resulting in a prolonged legal dispute that has kept the local body elections pending.

Residents say the absence of elected municipal representatives for nearly seven years has affected local development and the provision of basic amenities. Many had hoped elections would finally take place this time, particularly in the newly merged areas. Prospective candidates had reportedly begun campaigning, while political aspirants were making preparations for the municipal chairperson’s post. Reports that the chairperson’s position was reserved for a Scheduled Tribe woman had also prompted several women leaders to prepare for the contest. The latest legal development has left candidates and residents uncertain about the election timeline. Officials reportedly expect the elections to remain on hold until the Supreme Court issues a further order.