The State Election Commission in Andhra Pradesh has immediately withheld the ongoing election process for all 100 urban local bodies across the state, ANI reported, citing the commission's order. Further electoral activities in 13 municipal corporations and 87 municipalities and nagar panchayats stand withheld with immediate effect.

Source: ANI via Indian Economic Observer

The halt follows the Supreme Court's October 21 directions, in which a vacation bench directed the commission to postpone publication of the final list of candidates till October 25 and to decide by October 22 on extending the last date for filing nominations wherever candidates were unable to file due to the law and order situation. Wherever the commission chooses to extend the time, it must be extended by not less than 48 hours from publication of the decision.

Source: ANI via Indian Economic Observer

In its order issued late on Wednesday, the commission said it will issue a further order on October 22 after obtaining reports from the Collectors and District Election Authorities and the Commissioners of Police and Superintendents of Police, a second report of the order said.

Source: Dainik News Live

The Supreme Court was hearing a plea by the YSR Congress Party, which alleged — as an allegation — that violence and intimidation had prevented its candidates from filing nomination papers. The commission said it will consider the representations made by the petitioner party and various candidates, including evidentiary material and electronic evidence placed before it. Andhra Pradesh TDP president Palla Srinivasa Rao told ANI the government would abide by the Supreme Court's order and that the decision on extending dates rested with the State Election Commission.

Source: ANI via Indian Economic Observer

Sources: ANI via Indian Economic Observer; Dainik News Live, reporting the State Election Commission's order.