Polling ends for elections to 92 urban bodies in Andhra Pradesh
Digital Desk | Amaravati, Nov 1 (IANS) Polling for elections to 92 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Andhra Pradesh was peaceful, barring minor incidents, State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha said on Sunday. The polling, which began at 7 a.m. in 13 Municipal Corporations and 79 Municipalities and Nagar Panchayats, ended at 5 p.m. Those standing in queues at 5 p.m. were allowed to cast their votes. Based on preliminary information received from the districts, a voter turnout of 48.03% was recorded up to 3:00 p.m. The polling staff will arrive at the reception centres with the ballot boxes and election materials. The details of votes cast at each polling station will be verified to calculate the final voter turnout percentage. The turnout percentage will be announced by Monday, once complete details are received from the reception centres, he said. As many as 99.35 lakh voters were eligible to cast their votes at 11,378 polling centres. The fate of 10,262 candidates contesting for mayoral, chairperson and ward-level posts will be known on November 3 when the counting of votes will be taken up. Elections for the posts of chairpersons of 17 Municipalities and Nagar Panchayats were unanimous. Both chairpersons and ward members were elected unopposed in eight Municipalities and Nagar Panchayats. A total of 153 candidates contested for mayor posts in 13 municipal corporations while 367 candidates were in the fray for the posts of chairpersons in 70 Municipalities. Of the total 922 corporator wards, polling was held for 804 wards as the election was unanimous in the remaining 118 wards. A total of 3,077 candidates contested for 804 municipal wards. A total of 6,669 candidates were in the fray for 2,382 wards in Municipalities and Nagar Panchayats. The SEC said he conducted review meetings with District Collectors, Superintendents of Police (SPs), Police Commissioners, DIGs, and election observers to ensure a peaceful polling process. The Commissioner stated that complaints and representations regarding the conduct of the elections had been received from representatives of various political parties in the state. He directed the police department, District Collectors, SPs, and Police Commissioners to look into these complaints and take necessary action. The Commissioner stated that he held a discussion lasting approximately 45 minutes with the District Collectors of Nandyal, Kadapa, Palnadu, Markapuram, Prakasam, Nellore, Tirupati, Chittoor, Anantapur, Kurnool, Annamayya, and Sri Satya Sai districts regarding the polling process, complaints received, and any incidents of violence. He mentioned that the Collectors reported that polling was proceeding peacefully in the majority of the districts, with only minor complaints received in a few areas. He clarified that in some districts, no complaints or incidents of violence were reported at all. Anil Chandra Punetha announced that in ward 55 of Vijayawada Municipal Corporation, where polling began about two and a half hours late due to technical and other issues, the voting hours have been extended from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. to ensure that voters have the opportunity to exercise their franchise. He stated that this decision was made after considering a request from the District Collector and in accordance with the powers vested in the Election Commission. The Commissioner noted that the District Collectors of Palnadu and Anantapur had brought certain incidents that occurred in their respective districts to his attention. It was stated that after the polling concludes, reports from the Presiding Officers (POs) and other evidence will be examined; if the complaints are found to be substantiated, further action will be taken in accordance with the regulations. IG Raja Kumari stated that approximately 40 incidents were reported during the polling on Sunday, and 275 FIRs have been registered. She mentioned that all these incidents are being thoroughly examined, and FIRs are being filed in cases where criminal elements are identified.
Govt. committed to boosting health infra across Rayalaseema, says Minister
Inaugurating a 500-bed facility, specialised medical blocks, and a major assistive technology initiative at KIMS Saveera Hospital, Satya Kumar Yadav says the expansion brings super-specialised medical care directly to the people of Anantapur
Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma Defends Movies Amid School Chainsaw Attack Controversy
Ram Gopal Varma responds to criticism of films promoting violence following a shocking chainsaw attack in Anantapur school. Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma Defends Movies Amid School Chainsaw Attack Controversy
Andhra girl injured in chainsaw attack in classroom remains critical
Digital Desk | Amaravati, Nov 1 (IANS) The condition of a Class 10 girl student injured in the chainsaw attack by her relative at a school in Andhra Pradeshs Anantapur district on Saturday remained critical, doctors said. According to doctors, the next 48 hours will be crucial for the victim undergoing treatment at a hospital in Bengaluru. Andhra Pradesh Education and IT Minister Nara Lokesh on Sunday visited Bengaluru and spoke with doctors at Manipal Hospital to review the health condition of the girl and ongoing treatment. The girl was injured in the attack at Zilla Parishad High School in Rapthadu in Anantapur district. The accused, who was later identified as Hemanth, is a close relative of the victim. He is reported to be still at large. According to an official release here, Lokesh said the incident occurred around 10 a.m. when an individual entered the school premises carrying a chainsaw and attacked the student. Upon receiving information, he immediately alerted the police and district health authorities. The girl was initially shifted to a government hospital, where doctors worked for nearly eight hours to stabilise her condition. Once she was fit to be transferred, she was moved to Manipal Hospital in Bengaluru. Doctors immediately initiated treatment and performed surgery lasting nearly 12 hours before shifting her to the ICU. Lokesh said the next 48 hours would be critical and appealed to people across Andhra Pradesh to pray for the girl's recovery. Calling her our daughter, he said she needed everyone's support and prayers during this difficult time. Assuring the family of complete government support, Lokesh said the incident was extremely unfortunate and should not be politicised. He emphasised that ensuring the girl's healthcare, continued treatment and subsequent rehabilitation was both the collective responsibility of the government and his personal responsibility. He acknowledged that the incident had highlighted the need to further strengthen existing safety systems and processes. Stating that the government was taking the matter very seriously and would not shy away from its responsibility, Lokesh assured that stronger preventive measures would be put in place to ensure that such incidents never recur in Andhra Pradesh. Issuing a stern warning against harassment and indecent behaviour towards women, Lokesh said anyone making inappropriate remarks or behaving indecently towards women in Andhra Pradesh would face severe consequences. He assured that strict action would be taken against everyone responsible for the Rapthadu school attack and that nobody involved would be spared.
Rejection Of Love Proposal, Accused Was Girl's Uncle: What Triggered Andhra School Chainsaw Attack
A shocking detail has emerged in the chainsaw attack on two Class 10 girls inside a government school in Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur district. The 21-year-old man accused of the attack is reportedly the uncle of one of the girls. Police suspect
Vaishnaw Flags Off Bengaluru-Mumbai Vande Bharat Sleeper Express
The service' scheduled stoppages are Anantapur, Guntakal, Raichur, Yadgir, Kalaburagi, Solapur, Pune and Kalyan
The Minister said that the medical team at Manipal Hospital stabilised the girls condition with blood transfusions and supportive treatment
AP: Man attacks girls with chainsaw in classroom
Two schoolgirls were injured after a man allegedly entered their classroom with a chainsaw and attacked them in Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur district. Police teams have been deployed to trace the accused, while Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has ordered stringent action
AP school chainsaw attack victim shifted to Bengaluru for treatment
Raptadu: One of the two Class 10 students injured in a chainsaw attack at a government school in Andhra Pradeshs Anantapur district has been shifted to a private hospital in Bengaluru for advanced treatment, state Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav said on Saturday, October 31. The attack took place at Raptadu Zilla Parishad High School Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Anantapur School Attack: Injured Student Gets Advanced Treatment
Two Class 10 students were attacked with a chainsaw at a government school in Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur district. One student, severely injured with multiple fractures and a severed hand, has been airlifted to Bengaluru for advanced treatment, with the state government bearing expenses. The second student was injured while trying to protect her classmate. The attacker remains untraceable, and the Chief Minister has ordered a swift hunt and harshest legal punishment.
Naidu Orders Immediate Arrest Of Raptadu Class 10 Student Attacker
The Chief Minister directs strict action after a Class 10 girl was attacked with a saw inside her classroom in Anantapur district.
Victim shifted to Bengaluru for better treatment; perpetrator, a close relative of the victim, was arrested at Dharmavaram railway station within hours of the incident
Man storms Andhra school with chainsaw, 2 students hurt
Two schoolgirls were injured in Anantapur district's Raptadu on Saturday after a man barged into their classroom with a chainsaw and attacked them, the police said.
Before We Could Figure Out... Teacher Recounts Andhra Chainsaw Shocker
The incident took place around 10:30 am on Saturday at the Zilla Parishad High School in Raptadu village in Anantapur district, while lessons were underway and students were seated inside their classroom.
Andhra Pradesh CM Orders Search for Attacker Who Assaulted 10th Grader with a Saw
A 10th-grade student was seriously injured in a brutal attack at a school in Anantapur, prompting swift action from the Chief Minister. Andhra Pradesh CM Orders Search for Attacker Who Assaulted 10th Grader with a Saw
A 21-year-old man allegedly attacked two Class 10 girls with a chain inside a government school in Andhra Pradesh's Anantapur district on Saturday morning. One of the injured girls is in critical condition and is undergoing surgery at a hospital. {image-andhrachainsawattack1-81311793442388.jpg
Anantapur School Horror: Man Attacks Class 10 Students With Chainsaw, 2 Girls Injured
Police apprehended the suspect after a chainsaw attack on two schoolgirls at Raptadu school, as a possible personal dispute emerges.
Anantapur Student Attack: Paritala Sunitha Warns Of Serious Action Against Accused
She visited the injured student in the hospital and enquired her health condition. She suggested that the doctors provide better medical treatment to the girl severely injured in the attack.
Chainsaw Attack in Andhra Pradesh School Leaves Two Students Seriously Injured
A chainsaw attack in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, has left two tenth-grade students critically injured, raising serious safety concerns. Chainsaw Attack in Andhra Pradesh School Leaves Two Students Seriously Injured
Man barges into Andhra classroom, attacks girl with chainsaw
Raptadu: Two schoolgirls were injured here in Anantapur district on Saturday, October 31, after a man barged into their classroom with a chainsaw and attacked them, police said. Both students were injured, but one of them was stable, police said, adding the accused was on the run. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu promised stringent action. Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
A Class 10 girl student was allegedly attacked brutally with a saw inside her classroom at a Zilla Parishad High School in Rapthadu, Anantapur district, police said on Saturday. Anantapur DSP Ashwin Manideep Kakumanu said the accused attacked the student inside the school classroom. An incident of an attack on a Class 10 girl student at a Zilla Parishad High School in Rapthadu, Anantapur district, has been reported. The accused allegedly attacked the student brutally with a saw inside the school classroom, the DSP said. Further details are awaited. (ANI)
The girl who was seriously injured in the attack is undergoing treatment in a hospital; two youths who allegedly carried out the attack were not students of the school, fellow students said
App launched for effective coordination during election bandobust
The Anantapur District Police have said that around 1,500 police personnel and all polling stations have been integrated into a single digital system to ensure effective police coordination
Chainsaw attack in Andhra: Class 10 girl critical after rejecting man's proposal
In Anantapur district, a male assailant attacked a tenth-grade student named Gopika with a saw. This violent incident occurred inside a Zilla Parishad high school, shocking students and staff members alike. Another student, Lakshmi, sustained injuries while trying to intervene and protect her classmate. Local police were promptly notified and initiated a search for the suspect. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to apprehend the perpetrator and ensure community safety.
Anantapur: Man Attacks Class X Student in Rapthadu, Leaves Her Seriously Injured
The student sustained severe injuries to her face and head in the attack.
Election Campaign for Municipal Polls Ends in Anantapur District
Balakrishnas wife Vasundhara also campaigned in Hindupur in favour of the TDP.
Ananta Kavach App Launched For Smooth Elections In Anantapur District
It will provide live locations of police personnel deployed for election duties: Reports
Anantapur YSRC, Congress Mayoral Candidates Sign Stamp Papers to Fulfil Promises
YSRC and Congress mayoral candidates sign public pledges on stamp papers, committing to address Anantapur's civic issues if elected.
KIMS Anantapur Expands To 500 Beds
As part of its CSR initiative, the hospital will also deploy 200 DRIISTI AI-powered smart glasses for visually impaired beneficiaries in Anantapur district: Reports
Andhra: Central team to visit cyclone-hit areas tomorrow
Digital Desk | Amaravati, Oct 30 (IANS) A Central team will visit Andhra Pradesh on Saturday and Sunday to assess the damage caused by Cyclone Arnab. Prakhar Jain, Managing Director of the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), announced on Friday that a seven-member Inter-Ministerial Central Team, led by Chittaranjan Dash, Joint Secretary in the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, will visit the cyclone-affected districts over the next two days to assess the damage on the ground. The team will visit Konaseema, Kakinada, East Godavari, and West Godavari districts. On Saturday, senior officials will brief the team at the Real-Time Governance Society (RTGS) centre regarding the measures taken during the cyclone and the extent of the damage. Following this, the team will split into two groups to visit the cyclone-affected areas. The first group will be accompanied by the RTGS CEO and APSDMA MD Prakhar Jain, while the second group will be accompanied by the Director of Secondary Health, Chakradhara Babu. The team is expected to meet Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu on Monday evening. Prakhar Jain said on Saturday, Team-1 will visit Konaseema district, and Team-2 will visit East Godavari district. On Sunday, Team- 1 will visit Kakinada district while Team-2 will visit West Godavari district to personally inspect the damages and interact with the victims of the cyclone. The members of the Central team are Prashant Armorikar, ADC, Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare; Rekharani Kollu, Superintending Engineer, Ministry of Jal Shakti (CWC); Himalaya Garg, Assistant Director, Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance; Rakesh Kumar Singh, Superintending Engineer, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways; Alok Jawahar, Deputy Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development; Pranay Garg, Deputy Director, Ministry of Power and Dr. S.V.S.P. Sharma, Scientist 'SF', National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), ISRO. Meanwhile, another Central team will also examine drought conditions affecting the Kharif 2026 season on Monday and Tuesday (November 2-3). It will visit Sri Sathya Sai, Anantapur, Kurnool, and Nandyal districts. Prakhar Jain said that a Central teamled by Chinmay Gotmare, Joint Secretary in the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfarewill visit the drought-affected districts. The 10-member team will split into two groups to conduct field visits to interact with farmers and assess the drought situation. According to the guidelines of the Drought Manual issued by the Union Ministry of Agriculture, 283 mandals have been declared as experiencing severe drought, and 105 mandals as experiencing moderate drought for the Kharif 2026 season. The team is expected to meet with the Chief Minister on Wednesday (November 4). The members of this team are Prabha Kanti, Assistant Director, Mahalanobis National Crop Forecast Centre (MNCFC); Vinod Samant, Under Secretary, Department of Rural Development; Pankaj Pahadia, Deputy Director, Department of Expenditure; N.V. Satish Seemakurthi, Director, Directorate of Monitoring and Appraisal; Dr. K. Ponnusamy, Director, Oilseeds Development; Anuradha Batana, Senior Research Officer, NITI Aayog; Dhirendra Kumar, RIC; Pradeep Kumar, Under Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution and Dr. Sakshi Bhadauria, Animal Husbandry Officer, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
Police unveil mine-proof, Vajra vehicles, hold flag march to boost election security in Anantapur
Purandeswari Seeks Mandate For Alliance In Anantapur
Purandeswari alleged that the previous government had diverted 145 crore sanctioned: Reports
YSRCP complains to Andhra Election Commissioner over alleged local-body poll irregularities
YSRCP MLC Lella Appireddy and former MLA TJR Sudhakar Babu lodged a complaint with the State Election Commissioner (SEC), submitting audio and video evidence of alleged police intimidation, inducements and interference in local-body elections. Addressing the media, Appireddy demanded the suspension of Gudur DSP Narasimha Murthy and action against Nellore CI Seetharam. He played an audio recording that he claimed featured the DSP contacting YSRCP leader Eddula Narendra Reddy regarding candidate withdrawals. Another recording allegedly showed former Mayor Azeez connecting with CI Seetharam with a candidate and discussing monetary inducements. The party also submitted evidence relating to alleged interference during nomination appeals at the Anantapur RDO office, masked men allegedly brandishing knives in Nuzvid, and nominations purportedly filed in the names of YSRCP candidates in Palnadu. Appireddy alleged that nominations had been obstructed or rejected and cited attacks in Tadipatri....
BJP Leaders Seek Support for NDA Mayoral Candidate in Anantapur
BJP leaders Lanka Dinakar and Sai Kumar campaigned for NDA-backed mayoral candidate K. Ajesh Babu, promising better water supply, drainage and civic infrastructure in Anantapur.
Lanka Dinakar campaigns for NDA Mayoral candidate in Anantapur
Big Battle for Anantapur Mayors Post
The BJP and YSRC are locked in a contest for the Anantapur mayors post, with the TDP and Jana Senas support crucial to the ruling alliances campaign.
Alliance leaders campaign for triple-engine government in Anantapur Municipal elections
JSP district president T.C. Varun, NDA Mayoral candidate Ajesh Yadav of the BJP, 44th Division Corporator candidate Podili Babu Rao, and TDP leader Arun Chowdary engage with the local residents and assure them of the citys overall development if the alliance Mayoral candidate is voted to power
17 Accused Identified In 14 Election-Related Incidents In AP
Palnadu and Kadapa reported three incidents each, Anantapur and Nellore two each, while Tirupati, Kurnool, Annamayya and Markapuram one each.
AP local body polls deferred in 19 municipalities over SC orders
Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha on Wednesday, October 21, said the local body polls will proceed as per the schedule in all the notified municipalities except 19 in seven districts. These 19 municipalities are located in YSR Kadapa, Annamayya, Tirupati, Anantapuram, Prakasam, Palnadu and Markapuram districts. Except 19 municipalities in seven Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Tributes paid to police martyrs in Nandyal, Kurnool and Anantapur districts
5 Municipal Wards Set for Unanimous Election in Favour of TD
Five municipal wards would see unanimous elections of Telugu Desam nominees in Tadipatri municipality in Anantapur district as no YSRC candidates filed nominations there before the deadline on Sunday.
BJP Fields Ajesh Babu For Anantapur Mayor Post
The BJP has fielded Ajesh Babu Yadav for Anantapur mayor, with health minister Satya Kumar Yadav and state president P.V.N. Madhav attending his nomination filing.
Elderly Woman Dies After Injection At First-Aid Centre; Facility Sealed
An elderly woman allegedly died after receiving an injection at an RMP-run first-aid centre in Anantapur, prompting authorities to seal the facility and issue a show-cause notice.
Vadaanya Talent Test For Rural Students To Be Held On Dec. 13
Vadaanya Janaa Society will conduct a talent test on December 13 for rural government school students in Anantapur and Sri Sathya Sai districts.
Vadaanya Talent Test 2026 to be held in Anantapur, Sri Sathya Sai districts on December 13
BJP Finalises Candidates For Municipal Elections In AP
The BJP has nominated Kotla Ajesh Babu for the Anantapur Municipal Corporation.
APPSC announces Computer Proficiency Test schedule for in-service employees
The examination will be held in Visakhapatnam, Kakinada, NTR, Tirupati and Anantapur districts on October 30 and 31 and at the NTR district centre on November 1
YSRCP Leader Kethireddy Peddareddy Booked Over Provocative Remarks
Anantapur Police have registered a case against YSRCP leader Kethireddy Peddareddy following a complaint by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) that he was making insinuating remarks.
NDA partners in Andhra finalise seat-sharing for Urban Local Body polls
Digital Desk | Amaravati, Oct 16 (IANS) Partners in the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Andhra Pradesh have reached a seat sharing agreement for Urban Local Body elections. After several rounds of talks among leaders of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), Jana Sena Party (JSP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during the last four days, the allies finalised the seat sharing on Thursday night. Initially there was a deadlock in the talks between TDP and JSP but both the parties adopted a give and take approach to reach an understanding. The NDA partners finalised the seat sharing in line with the aspirations of their leaders and cadres at the field level. As per the agreement for the posts of mayor for 17 municipal corporations, the TDP will contest 11 posts, Jana Sena four and BJP two. The coalition also reached an understanding for the posts of chairpersons of municipalities/nagar panchayats. The TDP will field candidates for 78 posts while Jana Sena will contest in 21 places. Seven posts have been left for the BJP. As per the agreement for all Urban Local Bodies, TDP has been allotted 72.35 per cent of the posts. Jana Sena got a share of 20.33 per cent and BJP 7.32 per cent. If one ally gets the post of mayor/chairman, the other allies will be given the post of deputy mayor/vice-chairperson. The TDP will contest for the posts of mayors of Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, Machilipatnam, Mangalgiri-Tadepalli, Guntur, Ongole, Nellore, Kurnool, Kadapa, Tirupati and Chittoor. Jana Sena has been allotted Srikakulam, Kakinada, Eluru and Vijayawada while BJP will field its candidates for mayors in Rajamahendravaram and Anantapuram. The seat adjustment was finalised after several round of talks among top leaders of the NDA partners during the last few days. Chief Minister and TDP National President N. Chandrababu Naidu, TDP state President Palla Srinivasa Rao, Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena chief Pawan Kalyan, state BJP President P.V. N. Madhav and other leaders participated in the talks. The seat-sharing in local body polls is largely in proportion to the respective strength of the three allies in the state Assembly. The NDA, headed by TDP, had stormed to power in 2024 with a landslide majority. The coalition bagged 164 seats in the 175-member Assembly. The TDP has 135 MLAs, while Jana Sena and BJP have 21 and eight seats, respectively. The State Election Commission has already announced the schedule for the elections to urban and rural local bodies. Polling for 100 urban local bodies is scheduled on October 28 while Gram Panchayats will go to polls in three phases in November-December. Out of 123 Urban Local Bodies, the Commission has issued notifications for conduct of elections to 100 Urban Local Bodies (13 Municipal Corporations and 87 Municipalities/Nagar Panchayats). Elections have not been notified now for the remaining 23 Urban Local Bodies (4 Municipal Corporations and 19 Municipalities/Nagar Panchayats) as the pre-election activities for them are underway.
Schedule for local body elections in Andhra Pradesh announced
Digital Desk | Amaravati, Oct 14 (IANS) Elections for 100 Urban Local Bodies in Andhra Pradesh will be held on October 28, while Gram Panchayat elections will be conducted in three phases in November-December. The State Election Commission on Wednesday announced the poll schedule for the Urban and Rural Local Bodies. State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha announced that the Model Code of Conduct has come into force with immediate effect. The announcement of the schedule came after the Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department furnished the Gazette Notifications containing the particulars of reservations to the seats and offices in Urban Local Bodies to the State Election Commission, along with readiness for the conduct of the elections. Out of 123 Urban Local Bodies, the Commission has issued notifications for conduct of elections to 100 Urban Local Bodies (13 Municipal Corporations and 87 Municipalities/Nagar Panchayats). Elections have not been notified yet for the remaining 23 Urban Local Bodies (4 Municipal Corporations and 19 Municipalities/ Nagar Panchayats) as the pre-election activities for them are underway. Polling will be held for Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC), Vijayawada Municipal Corporation (VMC), Vizianagaram, Eluru, Machilipatnam, Guntur, Ongole, Nellore, Tirupati, Chittoor, Kadapa, Kurnool and Anantapuram Municipal Corporations and 87 Municipalities/Nagar Panchayats. The Commission also announced that elections to Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituencies (MPTCs) and Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituencies (ZPTCs) will be held on November 3. The Gram Panchayat elections will be conducted in 3 phases November 26, November 29 and December 2. The State Election Commission issued the notification for elections to 100 ULBs. The nominations will be accepted till October 18, while scrutiny of nominations will be undertaken on October 19. According to the schedule, October 21 will be the last date for withdrawal of candidates. Polling will be held on October 28, while counting of votes will be taken up on October 30. For MPTC and ZPTC elections, the notification will be issued on October 19. Nominations will be received till October 23, while scrutiny of nominations will be taken up the next day. October 27 is the last date for withdrawal of candidates. Polling will be held on November 3, while results will be declared on November 5. Counting of votes for Gram Panchayats will be taken up immediately after completion of polling in all three phases.
Hyundai Motor Group to invest $15.5 billion in India through 2032
Digital Desk | Seoul/New Delhi, Oct 14 (IANS) Hyundai Motor Group said on Wednesday it will invest $15.5 billion in India through 2032, underscoring the country's importance to its global growth strategy. The group's Executive Chair Euisun Chung announced the investment during a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Tuesday, the group said. India is a key strategic market for Hyundai Motor Group's future growth, expansion into emerging markets and next-generation automotive innovation. The investment will be made over seven years starting this year, Chung said. The investment will go toward expanding manufacturing capacity, developing research and development (R&D) infrastructure, fostering local suppliers to increase parts localisation, and advancing future technologies, reports Yonhap news agency. To implement the investment plan, the group plans to establish a dedicated investment entity in India. With a population of 1.47 billion, India is the world's third-largest automobile market after China and the United States. Automakers seeking to compete in India need local production facilities, as import tariffs can reach 70 percent to 110 percent. Hyundai Motor Co. operates two plants in Chennai and another in Pune, while its smaller affiliate Kia Corp. operates a plant in Anantapur. The facilities have a combined annual production capacity of 1.4 million vehicles, which is expected to increase with further investment. Hyundai and Kia sold a combined 852,164 vehicles in India last year, accounting for 18.7 percent of the country's passenger vehicle market and ranking second behind Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. Hyundai Motor's cumulative vehicle sales in India are expected to top 10 million this year, nearly three decades after the South Korean automaker began local sales. The company had sold 9.88 million vehicles in India through the third quarter of this year, having begun local production with the Santro minicar at its Chennai plant in 1998, according to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM). At the current pace, Hyundai's cumulative sales in India are expected to surpass the 10 million mark by the end of this year. Last year, the company sold 398,937 SUVs in India, accounting for about 70 per cent of its total sales in the country.
Andhra SEC to announce local body polls schedule after gazette notifications
Digital Desk | Vijayawada, Oct 13 (IANS) The schedule for local body elections in Andhra Pradesh will be announced after the departments concerned issue gazette notifications, State Election Commissioner (SEC) Anil Chandra Punetha said on Tuesday. The SEC added that the poll schedule will be announced once the state government communicates its readiness for the elections. Punetha said the elections would be conducted in an effective manner. He assured all security measures in the sensitive and hyper sensitive areas. He held a meeting with representatives of 20 political parties here on Tuesday. He told media after the meeting that the political parties sought security for the contesting candidates. They also submitted various suggestions to the SEC, including timely issuance of caste certificates. The state government on Monday announced reservation for Scheduled Tribes (STs), Scheduled Castes (SCs), Backward Classes (BCs) and women for the posts of Mayors in 17 municipal corporations and chairpersons in 106 municipalities and nagar panchayats. The state government has earmarked one Mayoral seat for STs (Mangalagiri Tadepalli), two seats for SCs (Kurnool Women and Rajamahendravaram General), five seats for BCs (Kakinada Women, Machilipatnam Women, Eluru General, Anantapuram General, and Chittoor General). Five Mayoral seats have been reserved under Women (General) for Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, Guntur, Kadapa, and the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC). Mayor seats in Tirupati, Vijayawada, Ongole, and Nellore remained unreserved. Commissioner and Director of Municipal Administration, P. Sampath Kumar, issued an official notification determining and finalising the ward-wise reservation of seats for STs, SCs, BCs and women across 13 major municipal corporations in the state. The state government has capped overall reservation for all categories at 50 per cent after the High Court struck down its order for 34 per cent reservation for BCs. The Supreme Court on October 9 dismissed its plea challenging the Andhra Pradesh High Court. The apex court questioned the legal basis of the data relied upon by the state government to justify the enhanced BC quota, particularly the findings of a Unified Family Survey. On October 1, the Andhra Pradesh High Court struck down two government orders providing 34 per cent reservation for BCs in local body elections, saying that the quota breached the 50 per cent ceiling on total reservations. The High Court said that the aggregate reservation for all categories in local bodies should not exceed 50 per cent in accordance with the Supreme Court's guidelines. The court judgment came as a setback to the N. Chandrababu Naidu-led coalition government, as increasing BC reservation in local bodies from 20 per cent to 34 per cent was one of its key promises during the 2024 Assembly elections. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu had announced the enhanced quota on August 18, saying that BCs would get 34 per cent reservation in rural local bodies and 33.33 per cent in urban local bodies.
Young people urged to prepare for disasters at Anantapur programme; fire department holds mock drill
Anantapur SP reviews security in sensitive Tadipatri ahead of local body elections
P. Jagadeesh inspects the proposed EVM distribution and counting centres and the nomination centre, and visits hyper-sensitive areas of the town
Suzlon to invest 550 crore to set up 3 AI-powered blade factories by 2027
Suzlon Group is investing around Rs 550 crore to set up three AI-powered blade factories to fast-track execution of its order book and meet the rising demand of the domestic wind industry, company co-founder Girish Tanti said. While two blade facilities have been planned for Gujarat and Karnataka, the third will come up in Tamil Nadu, Tanti told PTI in an interaction. Suzlon already has five blade factories in Jaisalmer, Bhuj, Ratlam, Dhule and Anantapur. With the addition of the three units, Suzlon will have India's largest smart wind manufacturing capacity with a total of 18 factories. When asked about investment in these new factories, Tanti said the company has earmarked capex of Rs 550 crore for the three projects, funded from internal accruals. Rs 200 crore is for the Tamil Nadu project; the remaining will be utilised for Gujarat and Karnataka facilities. He said these factories will be closer to wind project sites to improve logistics. The estimated time period for setting up
Deaths Of Crows, Poultry Trigger Bird Flu Scare In Anantapur District
Officials have appealed to people not to touch or handle dead birds. They must inform veterinary authorities immediately about unusual bird deaths.
AHUDA Chairman donates 10 wheelchairs to Anantapur GGH
Anantapur: Car Catches Fire on Tapovanam National Highway
According to reports, the driver noticed the fire in time and immediately got out of the vehicle, escaping unhurt.
Atmakur: Woman Dies as Eicher Vehicle Hits Two-Wheeler
The injured were shifted to the Anantapur Government General Hospital in a 108 ambulance.
When childhood feels unsafe: POCSO cases in A.P.s Rayalseema
Rayalaseemas POCSO cases reveal a troubling mix of vulnerability, silence and delayed intervention, even as police investigations become more technology-driven, reports K. Umashanker. Andhra Pradesh recorded a decline in cases in 2025, but Chittoor saw a rise while Anantapur and Kurnool recorded falls. With 5,408 cases pending in exclusive POCSO courts, forensic delays, staff shortages, stigma and fear continue to test the promise of speedy justice, while experts stress prevention, early reporting and stronger child-protection systems.
Mega Medical Camp Held at Anantapur Government Polytechnic College
The Nigama Foundation, in coordination with NSS, JNTUA Government Polytechnic College, Anantapur Pragathi Padham Youth Association, and MYBharat, organised a mega medical camp at the Government Polytechnic College in Anantapur on Wednesday.
Anantapur SP Proposes Police Palle Nidra In View Of Civic Polls
Anantapur SP P. Jagadish directed police to identify sensitive areas and conduct Palle Nidra programmes to strengthen security ahead of local body polls.
Free health camp extends services to nearly 600 students, youth in Anantapur
The camp, which was held as part of the foundation day celebrations of Nigama Foundation, provided free blood grouping, haemoglobin and diabetes screening, blood-pressure checks, general and orthopaedic consultations, and eye examinations to the students
56 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs launched in Kurnool and Anantapur
These were part of the 267 Ayushman Arogya Mandirams (Health and Wellness centres) inaugurated by Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav from Janardhanapuram in Krishna district
Anantapur Poultry Farm Hit by Bird Flu, 2,500 Hens Dead
Authorities advised people to cook chicken thoroughly at temperatures above 75C before consumption, as properly cooked poultry is considered safe to eat.
Dramatic CCTV Video Shows Heroic Rescue By Constable At Anantapur Station
A major tragedy was averted at Anantapur Railway Station when passenger Ravi Kumar slipped while attempting to board a moving train. In a dramatic rescue captured on CCTV, Traffic Constable C. Surendra reacted instantly, grabbing Ravi by the collar and pulling him away from danger. The video shows the constable's quick thinking and swift action preventing what could have been a fatal accident. Ravi Kumar escaped with only minor injuries, while the rescue has drawn widespread praise online.
Lightning Strike Kills Power Employee in Anantapur
They parked the motorcycle near the outskirts of Gandlapadu village and took shelter under a tree.
Mysterious Stone-Throwing Incident Causes Panic in Andhra Pradesh Village
Residents of a village in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, are living in fear as stones mysteriously fall on their homes at night. Mysterious Stone-Throwing Incident Causes Panic in Andhra Pradesh Village
Constable Saves Passenger As Train Starts Moving
Traffic constable C. Surendra rescued a passenger being dragged by a moving train at Anantapur railway station, preventing a major mishap.
Mee Mart Outlets To Come Up At 51 Fair Price Shops In Anantapur District
Around 27 varieties of non-PDS essential commodities are proposed to be made available through these outlets initially.
Anantapur: Man Murdered in Tadipatri, Old Rivalry Suspected
The deceased was identified as Kullayappa. Preliminary information suggests that the murder may have been linked to an old rivalry.
Man Allegedly Kills Wife Over Suspicion About Her Character
A man allegedly killed his wife after an argument over suspicions about her character near National Park in Anantapur, police said.
Torrential downpours damage 613 km of roads across Andhra Pradesh
Digital Desk | Amaravati, Sep 24 (IANS) Heavy rains under the impact of Deep Depression in the Bay of Bengal have damaged 613 km of roads in Andhra Pradesh, State Minister B.C. Janardhan Reddy said on Thursday. With heavy rain continuing to lash coastal Andhra even after Deep Depression crossed the coast late on Wednesday night, the Minister for Roads and Buildings (R&B) directed the R&B Department officials to remain on high alert. After a review meeting with officials, he said that due to incessant rains, 613 km of R&B roads across the state have sustained damage as of 7 a.m. on Thursday. Srikakulam district accounted for the highest infrastructure damage, with 356 km of roads getting affected. The Deep Depression caused significant road damage in the districts of Srikakulam, Parvathipuram-Manyam, Vizianagaram, Alluri Sitarama Raju, Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Kakinada, East Godavari, Ambedkar Konaseema, West Godavari, Anantapur, Kurnool, and Nandyal. Across the state, roads were washed away at four locations due to the formation of deep craters. Cross-drainage (CD) works were damaged at 78 locations, and the restoration work has already been undertaken at 37 of these sites, said the minister. According to the minister, trees fell on roads at 11 locations and have been completely cleared to ensure a smooth flow of vehicles. Heavy rains caused traffic disruptions at 23 locations, he said, adding that the traffic congestion was successfully cleared at 14 of these spots. It is estimated that approximately Rs 26.95 crore is required for temporary repairs and Rs 224.73 crore for permanent restoration of the rain-damaged roads. The R&B Department has established 78 control rooms across the state and appointed nodal officers. We are continuously assessing ground-level conditions by holding 36 joint coordination meetings with departments affiliated with the R&B wing. We have set up toll-free services in major corporations to provide round-the-clock assistance, Janardhan Reddy said. The department identified 614 locations across the state as vulnerable or accident-prone areas. The department has kept 550 JCBs and 596 power saws ready to clear obstructions such as fallen trees and landslides on roads. The minister said personnel and necessary equipment were kept ready for emergency relief operations.
Govt Supplying Alternative Seeds to Anantapur Farmers At 80% Subsidy
The state government is supplying alternative seeds to Anantapur farmers at an 80% subsidy to help cover the remaining cultivable area amid rainfall deficit.
Pharmacovigilance Week Concludes at Anantapur Medical College, GGH
The programme aimed to create awareness about the safe and rational use of medicines and the need to report adverse drug reactions.
CPI(M) urges government to declare Anantapur as drought hit
Protests will be held across the district on September 25 and 26 to highlight farmers distress, followed by a dharna in front of the Collectors office on September 28, says partys district committee
Students block Anantapur-Tirupati highway at Burakayalakota over APSRTC buses skipping stops
About 100 students who commute to colleges in Madanapalle, Punganur and B. Kothakota say a dozen buses skip their stop at peak hours, forcing them to pay 50 to 80 a day for autos
Anantapur district police get new mobile forensic vehicle
Anantapur MLA conducts surprise inspection at GGH
Daggupati Venkateswara Prasad condemns the absence of Heads of Departments during OP service hours and instructed the hospital superintendent to submit an explanation
No Water For Ganpati Visarjan, Devotees Leave Idols On Dry Land: The Dark Reality Of El Ni
While Delhi lacks artificial ponds for Ganesh idol immersion, parts of Andhra Pradesh are witnessing an unusual situation, with devotees leaving Vinayaka idols on dry riverbeds as water levels remain critically low. In parts of Anantapur district, dry
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu directs steps to mitigate impact of El Nio in Andhra Pradesh
Observing that Kurnool, Nandyal and Anantapur districts are the worst hit, the Chief Minister calls for short and medium-term plans to tackle the situation; he also directs officials to keep the prices of rice, onion, palm oil and red gram under control
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu directs steps to mitigate impact of El Nio in Andhra Pradesh
Observing that Kurnool, Nandyal and Anantapur districts are the worst hit, the Chief Minister calls for short and medium-term plans to tackle the situation; he also directs officials to keep the prices of rice, onion, palm oil and red gram under control
Anantapur: Union Education Secretary T.K. Anil Kumar Praises AP School Reforms
Anil Kumar visited the AP Model School and Junior College and the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) at Jagarajupalli in Puttaparthi mandal, besides the Mandal Parishad Primary School in Puttaparthi.
Families Allege Foul Play After Car Crash Claims Lives of Two Women in Andhra Pradesh
Two women died in a car accident in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh, leading their families to accuse friends of foul play. Families Allege Foul Play After Car Crash Claims Lives of Two Women in Andhra Pradesh
Anantapur: Tension After Transgenders Brother Dies In Guntakal
Police reached the spot after receiving the information and registered a case. An investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances and reason behind the incident.
Anantapur Needs Expansion to Improve Prospects of Being a Smart City
The proposed merger of surrounding panchayats is expected to strengthen Anantapurs case for inclusion in major central and state urban development programmes.
Anantapur: Fire Breaks Out Near 440 kV Transformer At Adani Cement Plant
Two workers Hajivali and Bhadrinath suffered severe injuries.
Anantapur: Woman Dies After Tata Safari Crashes Into House
The body of the deceased was shifted to the government hospital for a post-mortem examination. Police registered a case and launched an investigation.
From Kacheguda to Anantapur: Bappa Takes a Train Ride
Ganesh Chaturthi is being celebrated with religious fervour across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, with devotees installing Ganesha idols at homes and pandals.
Anantapur Village Stays Away From Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations
According to the villagers, they believe it would not be appropriate to conduct Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations while the Maremma Ammavari Utsavams are underway, as non-vegetarian food is traditionally prepared as part of the village festival.
