Nellore: Legal disputes over the merger of neighbouring villages have cast a shadow over municipal elections in five urban local bodies across SPSR Nellore, Prakasam and Markapuram districts, leaving aspiring candidates uncertain about their political prospects.
According to an October 6 circular issued by the Municipal Administration Department, the number of elected members has been fixed at 44 for Kavali, 48 for Gudur, 23 for Alluru, 40 for Kandukur and 28 for Podili. Ward delimitation is required before elections can be conducted.
In Gudur, the merger of four neighbouring villages during the previous YSR Congress regime triggered legal challenges. Although the High Court dismissed the case, residents approached the Supreme Court, delaying the election process. The merger increased the number of wards from 34 to 48.
In Kavali, residents opposed the merger of Chowdaripalem, while residents of North Mopur and Singapeta challenged their inclusion in Alluru Nagar Panchayat. Kandukur has not held municipal elections since 2012 owing to litigation over the merger of a neighbouring village. Podili municipality has also been left out of the current election schedule amid legal complications.
The repeated delays have dampened political activity, with aspirants awaiting clarity on the disputes. The election schedule for all five civic bodies remains uncertain.
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