Chandrababu Directs AP to Hold Local Body Polls in October

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed the government machinery to ensure that local body elections are conducted in October without delay. The issue was discussed extensively during the State Cabinet meeting, along with reservations for Backward Classes. Naidu stressed that timely elections are essential for the state to access grants recommended by the 16th Finance Commission. According to the Commission’s recommendations, Andhra Pradesh is set to receive around ₹16,627 crore for rural local bodies and ₹12,158 crore for urban local bodies during 2026–31.

The Cabinet also approved enhanced BC reservations, with 34% in rural local bodies and 33.33% in urban local bodies. The government decided to conduct elections for all municipalities and corporations, including 23 urban local bodies where polls were not held in 2021 due to litigation over the merger of neighbouring villages. Naidu directed officials to engage with petitioners to resolve the cases or temporarily keep the merger process aside and proceed with elections. The Chief Minister also reviewed rising prices of essential commodities, recruitment reforms, power procurement, municipal projects and welfare initiatives. He instructed ministers and officials to work in real time, avoid delays and develop new opportunities.