The Andhra Pradesh high court sprang a surprise by issuing orders staying the conduct of elections to Eluru municipal corporation in West Godavari district, just before the closure of the election campaign on Monday.
The high court issued orders to state election commissioner Nimmagadda Ramesh Kumar asking to stop the elections in Eluru municipal corporation. The orders follow a petition questioning the irregularities in the preparation of electoral rolls in Eluru.
The high court order landed the candidates of all political parties in confusion, as they concluded their campaign by 4 pm.
The YSR Congress party and the TDP, besides Jana Sena-BJP combine are engaged in a pitched battle in the municipal polls in Eluru.
The high court also completed hearing into a petition filed by Jana Sena secretary Srinivasa Rao seeking issuance of fresh notification for the conduct of elections to elect Zilla Parishad and Mandal Parishad territorial constituency members across the state.
The petitioner alleged that during the nomination process in March 2020, the ruling party indulged in intimidation and threatening of the opposition party candidates, forcing them to withdraw their nominations. The high court reserved its judgement for a later date.
