Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha urges public and political parties to rely only on official announcements, warns against circulating unauthenticated information
Vijayawada, Sept 2026 : The Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission (SEC) on Tuesday dismissed reports claiming that the announcement of the election schedule for local body polls in the state would be delayed by another two months, describing the information circulating on social media as false and unauthorised.
State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha clarified that the Commission had not issued any such communication and cautioned the public, political parties and other stakeholders against believing or forwarding unverified claims.
The misleading reports allegedly stated that the Commission would announce the election schedule only after obtaining clearance in pending court cases concerning electoral rolls and reservations. They also claimed that internal arrangements for conducting the elections had already begun despite the proposed delay.
Punetha categorically rejected these claims, stating that the information was neither genuine nor issued by the Commission.
The SEC warned that circulating fabricated, misleading or unauthorised information in the Commission's name could invite appropriate action under applicable laws.
The Commission further clarified that any announcement regarding the election schedule would be made through an official press conference or press release. It urged citizens and political parties to rely exclusively on authorised communications and verify information received through WhatsApp, social media and other unofficial platforms against the Commission's official website.
The clarification comes amid ongoing preparations for local body elections in Andhra Pradesh, following recent judicial developments concerning the reorganisation of municipal wards and divisions.
Earlier this month, the Andhra Pradesh High Court dismissed a batch of petitions challenging the delimitation of wards and divisions in municipalities and municipal corporations. The ruling removed a significant legal obstacle to the conduct of urban local body elections, following which the state government resumed the ward reorganisation exercise.
Meanwhile, preparations for rural local body elections are also continuing.
The five-year terms of existing Mandal Praja Parishads expired on September 23, while the terms of Zilla Praja Parishads ended on September 24, adding to the urgency surrounding the next electoral cycle.
However, the SEC's latest clarification makes clear that reports predicting a specific two-month delay should not be treated as official information. The Commission has asked all stakeholders to await a formal announcement regarding the election schedule.
