The nominations, a key stage in the municipal election process in Andhra Pradesh, have ended. The deadline for filing nominations for municipal corporations, municipalities and city panchayats in the state ended at 3 pm on Sunday (October 18). As it was the last day, the offices of returning officers across the state were packed with candidates and their supporters.

By 3 pm on Sunday, the officials had issued tokens to all those present in the office premises and received nomination papers from them. Major political parties like TDP, YSRCP, Janasena and BJP as well as independent candidates filed nominations in large numbers. With this, the fight is set to become intense.

Setback for YSRCP in Darsi 
YSRCP faced an unexpected development in the Darsi of Prakasam district. As the deadline expired, about 25 YSRCP candidates could not file their nominations. They had to turn back in disappointment as they could not reach the office on time. This development has become a topic of discussion locally.

Next Schedule
With the end of the nomination period, the Election Commission has focused on the next process. According to the schedule, the scrutiny of nominations will be held tomorrow (October 19). The deadline for withdrawal of nominations has been set until October 21. After the deadline for withdrawals, clarity will come on the final candidates in the fray. While polling will be held on October 28, the counting of votes will be conducted on October 30 and the results will be announced.