Andhra Pradesh ULB polls 2024: SEC inspects Vijayawada station, 99 lakh voters decide 10,262 candidates
Synopsis
Andhra Pradesh's biggest urban civic exercise in years got underway on 1 November, with 99.35 lakh voters deciding 10,262 candidates across 92 ULBs — and the SEC conducting ground-level checks in Vijayawada even as turnout ranged wildly from 4.15% in Naidupeta to 16.21% in Puttur in the first two hours.
Key Takeaways
State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha inspected the VTPS Colony polling station in Vijayawada on 1 November .
Elections were held across 92 urban local bodies at 11,378 polling centres from 7 am to 5 pm .
Nearly 99.35 lakh voters were eligible to vote, with 10,262 candidates in the fray for mayoral, chairperson, and ward posts.
Tirupati Municipal Corporation recorded 11.7% turnout by 9 am; Puttur led at 16.21% while Naidupeta saw only 4.15% in the first two hours.
The ruling NDA swept 8 ULBs — including Allagadda, Proddatur, and Rayachoti — with chairpersons and ward members elected unopposed.
Andhra Pradesh State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha on Sunday, 1 November conducted a firsthand inspection of the polling process for municipal elections in Vijayawada, visiting the VTPS Colony polling station within the Vijayawada Municipal Corporation limits. His visit came as voting got underway across 92 urban local bodies (ULBs) statewide, with nearly 99.35 lakh voters casting ballots to determine the fate of 10,262 candidates contesting mayoral, chairperson, and ward-level posts.
What the SEC Reviewed on the Ground
During his inspection, Punetha queried officials on votes cast so far and the prevailing voter turnout percentage. He assessed the facilities provided to voters, the arrangements at the station, and the overall conduct of the polling process. He specifically examined measures in place to ensure a free, fair, and peaceful electoral environment, stressing the importance of voter convenience.
The Commissioner underlined that 'the right to vote serves as a strong foundation for the democratic system' and that 'every single vote is highly valuable.' He urged all eligible citizens to treat voting as a civic duty and participate actively in the exercise.
Scale of the Elections
Polling commenced at 7 am across 11,378 polling centres spread over 13 Municipal Corporations and 79 of the 87 Municipalities and Nagar Panchayats in Andhra Pradesh, with voting scheduled to conclude at 5 pm. Tight security arrangements were deployed across all constituencies.
Notably, elections for the posts of chairpersons of 17 Municipalities and Nagar Panchayats were decided unanimously. In eight urban local bodies — Allagadda, Dachepalli, Darsi, Gurajala, Kamalapuram, Piduguralla, Proddatur, and Rayachoti — both chairpersons and ward members were elected unopposed. The ruling coalition, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), swept these uncontested posts.
Early Turnout Trends
Voter participation showed marked variation across districts in the early hours. According to the State Election Commission, Tirupati Municipal Corporation recorded 11.7 per cent polling by 9 am, while the average across five local bodies in Tirupati district stood at 11.06 per cent in the first two hours. Among local bodies, Puttur led with 16.21 per cent turnout, while Naidupeta lagged at just 4.15 per cent in the same period.
Chittoor district witnessed strong voter enthusiasm in the initial hours, while polling was moderate in Annamayya and slow in Sri Sathya Sai district. Urban voter enthusiasm was visible in select areas, though polling appeared subdued at many stations during the morning.
What the Results Will Determine
The outcome of this election will shape local governance across Andhra Pradesh's urban landscape, with winners taking charge of civic administration in municipalities and corporations. With the NDA having already secured eight ULBs unopposed, the party will be eyeing a dominant performance in the contested seats as well. Final turnout figures and results are awaited as counting proceeds.
Point of View
But the more structural question is whether low morning turnout reflects voter inconvenience, disillusionment, or both. The NDA's uncontested sweep of eight ULBs before a single ballot was cast is itself a significant data point: it suggests that opposition consolidation in urban Andhra Pradesh remains incomplete heading into these elections.
NationPress
1 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What elections were held in Andhra Pradesh on 1 November 2024?
Elections for 92 urban local bodies (ULBs) — covering 13 Municipal Corporations and 79 Municipalities and Nagar Panchayats — were held across Andhra Pradesh on 1 November. Nearly 99.35 lakh voters were eligible to choose from 10,262 candidates contesting mayoral, chairperson, and ward-level posts.
Why did the State Election Commissioner visit Vijayawada on polling day?
State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha visited the VTPS Colony polling station in Vijayawada to conduct a firsthand inspection of the polling process. He reviewed voter facilities, turnout figures, security arrangements, and measures for free and fair conduct of the election.
What was the voter turnout in the early hours of the Andhra Pradesh municipal polls?
Turnout varied significantly by location. Tirupati Municipal Corporation recorded 11.7% by 9 am, while the district average was 11.06%. Puttur led at 16.21% in the first two hours, while Naidupeta saw just 4.15%. Polling was described as enthusiastic in Chittoor district but slow in Sri Sathya Sai district.
Which urban local bodies were won unopposed in the Andhra Pradesh elections?
Both chairpersons and ward members were elected unopposed in eight ULBs: Allagadda, Dachepalli, Darsi, Gurajala, Kamalapuram, Piduguralla, Proddatur, and Rayachoti. The ruling NDA coalition secured all these posts without a contest.
How many polling centres were set up for the Andhra Pradesh ULB elections?
A total of 11,378 polling centres were set up across the state for the 1 November municipal elections. Polling ran from 7 am to 5 pm under tight security arrangements.
