Andhra ZPTC, MPTC elections: NDA sweeps local body polls again

Counting of votes for the Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency (ZPTC) and Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency (MPTC) polls in Andhra Pradesh began on November 7, with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP)-led NDA coalition winning most of the seats and leading where results are yet to be declared. 

As of 9 pm on November 7, the three coalition partners, TDP, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Jana Sena Party (JSP) had won 273 out of 659 ZPTCs, while the opposition YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) had won only 20 seats. 

Out of 9,818 MPTC seats, NDA won 5,597 seats and YSRCP 1,050. Congress won two MPTC seats. 

A huge number of seats were won unanimously by the ruling coalition parties even before the elections were held. 

Out of 659 ZPTCs and 9,818 MPTCs, 77 ZPTCs and 2,051 MPTCs were declared unanimous on October 27, following a controversial nomination process in which it was alleged that many TDP members intimidated and obstructed YSRCP members from filing their nomination papers. 

Polling for 577 ZPTCs and 7,707 MPTCs was conducted on November 5. Due to Cyclone Murasu, polling for the remaining five ZPTCs and 60 MPTCs was conducted on November 6. 

Repolling was also conducted at seven polling stations across five districts – Anantapur, Kurnool, Markapuram, Palnadu and Srikakulam – on November 6, after electoral malpractices were reported during the November 5 polls. 

Counting of votes for all 582 ZPTCs and 7,767 MPTCs where polling was held began at 8 am on November 7.