Andhra Pradesh Election Commission debunks 2-month delay claim for local body polls
Synopsis
The Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission has taken the unusual step of publicly debunking viral misinformation about a two-month delay in local body poll announcements — a sign of how deeply such rumours are spreading. With Mandal and Zilla Praja Parishad terms already expired and a High Court hurdle recently cleared, the pressure to announce a schedule is mounting and any further confusion could have real political consequences.
Key Takeaways
Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission on 29 September 2026 declared circulating reports of a two-month delay in the local body election schedule as false.
State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha warned that spreading unauthorised information in the Commission's name may invite legal action.
The Andhra Pradesh High Court earlier this month dismissed petitions against ward delimitation, clearing a key legal hurdle for polls.
Terms of Mandal Praja Parishads expired on 23 September and Zilla Praja Parishads on 24 September .
All official poll-schedule announcements will be made only through official press conferences or press releases .
The Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, categorically denied circulating reports claiming that the announcement of the local body election schedule would be delayed by another two months. State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha called the claims false, unauthenticated, and not issued by the Commission.
What the Misinformation Claimed
The disputed reports, spreading across WhatsApp, social media, and other informal communication platforms, alleged that the Commission required two additional months before announcing the election schedule. The information also reportedly claimed that the Commission would only proceed after obtaining clearance in pending court cases related to electoral rolls and reservations.
A further strand of the misinformation stated that even if elections were delayed, internal arrangements for conducting them had already been initiated.
Commission's Official Response
State Election Commissioner Punetha stated that none of this information is genuine or issued by the Commission. 'The said information further claims that the Commission would proceed with the election process only after obtaining clearance in the court cases relating to electoral rolls and reservations,' he noted, while clarifying the claim is entirely false.
The Commission issued an advisory to the public, political parties, and all stakeholders, urging them not to believe, rely upon, or circulate such unverified content. It also warned that the spread of fabricated or unauthorised information in the Commission's name 'may attract appropriate action under the applicable law.'
How Official Announcements Will Be Made
The Commission clarified that any legitimate announcement regarding the election schedule will be communicated exclusively through an official press conference or press release. Citizens were advised to verify any information received via WhatsApp or social media against the Commission's official website or authorised communications before sharing it further.
Legal Hurdles Cleared, Preparations Ongoing
The clarification comes amid active preparations for local body elections across the state. Earlier this month, the Andhra Pradesh High Court dismissed a batch of petitions challenging the delimitation of wards and divisions in municipalities and municipal corporations — clearing a significant legal obstacle to holding the polls. Following that order, the state government resumed its ward reorganisation exercise.
The State Election Commission is also continuing preparations for rural local body elections. Notably, the five-year terms of existing Mandal Praja Parishads expired on 23 September, while the terms of Zilla Praja Parishads ended on 24 September — adding urgency to the election timeline.
With constitutional bodies now operating beyond their mandated terms, the Commission's next official announcement on the schedule is awaited closely by political parties and voters across Andhra Pradesh.
Point of View
The absence of a confirmed schedule is itself a democratic accountability issue that the Commission has yet to address head-on. A proactive announcement, rather than reactive denial, would do more to stabilise public confidence.
NationPress
29 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What misinformation is the Andhra Pradesh Election Commission denying?
The Commission is denying reports circulating on WhatsApp and social media that claimed another two months would be needed before the local body election schedule is announced. State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha stated this information is false and was not issued by the Commission.
When did the terms of Andhra Pradesh's local body representatives expire?
The five-year terms of Mandal Praja Parishads expired on 23 September, and the terms of Zilla Praja Parishads ended on 24 September 2026. This means elected local bodies are now operating beyond their constitutional mandates, increasing urgency for fresh elections.
Has the Andhra Pradesh High Court cleared the way for local body polls?
Yes. Earlier in September 2026, the Andhra Pradesh High Court dismissed a batch of petitions challenging the delimitation of wards and divisions in municipalities and municipal corporations. The ruling removed a significant legal obstacle, after which the state government resumed the ward reorganisation exercise.
How will the Andhra Pradesh Election Commission officially announce the poll schedule?
The Commission has stated that any announcement regarding the election schedule will be made exclusively through an official press conference or press release. Residents and stakeholders are advised to rely only on the Commission's official website and authorised communications.
What action can be taken against those spreading fake information about the election schedule?
The Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission has warned that circulating fabricated, misleading, or unauthorised information in its name may attract action under applicable law. The Commission has urged political parties and the public not to forward unverified information received through informal channels.
