AP Deploys 36,351 Police Personnel for Local Body Elections

Andhra Pradesh deploys 36,351 police personnel for November 1 local body elections. Tirupati records 61 election-related cases.

By News National Editorial Team

The Andhra Pradesh government and State Election Commission have strengthened security arrangements across the state ahead of the urban local body elections scheduled for November 1. A total of 36,351 police personnel have been deployed at 4,372 polling locations to ensure free, fair and peaceful elections.

According to Director General of Police Harish Kumar Gupta, the police department registered 261 election-related cases between October 15 and October 29. A total of 107 people were arrested in connection with these cases, while notices were issued to 733 individuals under Section 35(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

Tirupati Records Highest Number of Election-Related Cases

Tirupati district recorded the highest number of election-related cases in Andhra Pradesh, with 61 cases registered during the reporting period.

Other districts reporting election-related cases include:

• Tirupati: 61 cases

• YSR Kadapa: 36 cases

• Annamayya: 31 cases

• Anantapur: 26 cases

• Markapuram: 22 cases

Regarding arrests, Annamayya district recorded the highest number, with 51 people taken into custody, followed by Tirupati with 27 arrests and YSR Kadapa with 16.

Police said the cases involved various election-related disturbances, including clashes between political supporters, physical attacks, intimidation, obstruction of nomination procedures, destruction of nomination papers and damage to property.

Extensive Security Arrangements Across Polling Locations

The State Election Commission has arranged a comprehensive security network to monitor polling activities and respond to emergencies.

The deployment includes district police personnel, Andhra Pradesh Special Police and personnel from other departments. Special mobile patrol units, striking forces and flying squads have also been assigned election duties.

Authorities have identified 671 highly sensitive polling locations and 1,233 sensitive locations. Additional security personnel will be deployed at these locations to prevent intimidation, violence and electoral malpractice.

Drones, CCTV cameras and videography will be used to monitor sensitive polling locations. Security arrangements have also been made at ballot distribution centres and strong rooms where ballot boxes will be stored.

Preventive Measures and Seizures

As part of preventive action, police initiated proceedings against 19,993 individuals under Sections 126 and 129 of the BNSS. Additionally, 1,05,767 individuals were bound over as a preventive measure to maintain public peace and prevent election-related disturbances.

Police also executed 2,726 pending non-bailable warrants during a special enforcement drive.

During statewide inspections and raids, authorities seized unaccounted cash worth approximately Rs 4.91 lakh, liquor valued at nearly Rs 11.99 lakh and 114.1 litres of illicitly distilled liquor.

Police also seized approximately 495.9 kg of ganja, valued at around Rs 2.94 crore, along with firecrackers worth Rs 1.49 lakh.

Polling Scheduled for November 1

The urban local body elections are scheduled for November 1, covering 100 urban local bodies, including 13 municipal corporations and 87 municipalities and Nagar Panchayats.

In Tirupati district, the administration has completed arrangements for municipal elections in four municipalities. District officials have also announced separate schedules for rural local body elections.

The police department has instructed personnel to remain alert throughout the election process. Officials have warned that strict legal action will be taken against anyone attempting to intimidate voters, obstruct polling or disturb public order.

Authorities have appealed to political parties, candidates and the public to cooperate with election officials and ensure that every eligible voter can exercise their democratic right without fear, pressure or inducement.

Source Transparency: This report is based on statements attributed to Andhra Pradesh DGP Harish Kumar Gupta and reporting published by PTI, Telangana Today and The Times of India on October 30, 2026. Tirupati district election preparations were also reported by The Hans India.