The Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (SEC) has halted the election process across 100 urban local bodies, following directions from the Supreme Court. The orders were issued late on October 21, stopping proceedings in 13 municipal corporations and 87 municipalities and nagar panchayats.

Amid reports of violence between workers of the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and the Opposition YSRCP, and the latter’s allegation that its candidates were being stopped from filing nominations, the court asked the state police chief to provide protection to those seeking it and asked the SEC to resolve the Opposition party’s complaints.…