A printing error during the ongoing municipal elections in Andhra Pradesh triggered confusion and protests at polling locations in Vijayawada and Venkatagiri.
In Vijayawada Municipal Corporation’s 55th division, the symbols of Congress and YSRCP candidates were interchanged on the ballot papers. The Congress candidate’s name appeared alongside the YSRCP symbol, while the YSRCP candidate’s name was printed next to the Congress hand symbol. Candidates and polling agents noticed the mistake shortly after voting began and raised strong objections, following which officials suspended polling.
Authorities quickly arranged fresh ballot papers and resumed voting after a delay of about an hour. Officials assured voters that the polling time lost in the morning would be compensated for in the evening. YSRCP leaders raised suspicions over the mix-up, while TDP leaders maintained that it was merely a printing error and should not be politicised.
A similar incident came to light in Venkatagiri Municipality of Tirupati district. In Ward 35, a voter-awareness display paper outside the polling booth incorrectly showed the YSRCP fan symbol against the TDP candidate’s name.
However, local leaders noticed the error before polling began and brought it to the officials’ attention. The authorities immediately replaced the display paper and corrected the mistake. Polling is continuing peacefully there without any disruption.
Meanwhile, senior officials of the State Election Commission have directed election staff to remain vigilant and ensure that printing and technical errors are not repeated at other polling locations across Andhra Pradesh.