UPDATED: Oct 21, 2026 19:44 ISTA fierce political debate erupted over widespread incidents of violence during the filing of nominations for local elections in Andhra Pradesh. Telugu Desam Party national spokesperson Jyotsna Tirunagari defended the ruling dispensation, stating that over 23,000 nominations had been filed peacefully across the state and accusing the YSRCP of instigating unrest.

In contrast, former YSRCP Member of Parliament Bharath Ram claimed that ruling party cadres vandalised vehicles and violently prevented opposition candidates from submitting nomination papers. The discussion addressed the Supreme Court's intervention directing authorities to maintain law and order, as well as mutual allegations involving prominent leaders such as Member of Parliament Mithun Reddy and claims of outside elements orchestrating disturbances.

Read MoreVIDEOS FROM OTHER SECTIONSLATEST VIDEOSAndhra Local Body Polls: YSRCP-TDP Clashes Lead To Arson; SC Steps InUpcoming local body polls in Andhra Pradesh scheduled for October 30 have triggered political clashes between the YSRCP and the ruling TDP, involving reports of arson, vandalism, and attacks on candidates. Vehicles were set on fire near the residences of YSRCP candidates in Pulivendula.

Following the clashes, the Supreme Court intervened, directing the State Election Commission to examine complaints by October 22 and defer publication of the final list of candidates until October 25. The Supreme Court observed that elections must be fair and free and that courts cannot remain powerless when electoral fairness is at stake.Delhi SEM Orders Release Of CJP Leaders Saurabh Das And Ashutosh RankaA Special Executive Magistrate court has ordered the release of CJP leaders Saurabh Das and Ashutosh Ranka after accepting their sureties.

The Delhi Police had sought an extension of their detention for three additional days, but the magistrate rejected the plea. The leaders were detained under provisions of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, which restrict preventive detention periods pending inquiry.

Earlier orders had noted police apprehensions over potential breaches of peace, leading to repeated rejection of sureties over previous days. The Delhi High Court had also deliberated on protections under established judicial precedents while the magistrate accepted the sureties.Delhi Court Grants Bail To CJP Leaders Saurav Das And Ashutosh RankaA Delhi magistrate court has ordered the release of Cockroach Janta Party leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka on bail after their judicial custody concluded.

The Delhi Police had sought an extension of their judicial custody by three days, which was denied by the Special Executive Magistrate court following a hearing lasting over an hour and a half. The leaders spent approximately seven days in Tihar Jail following their detention for climbing gates and attempting to breach the de-notified protest venue at Jantar Mantar.

Prior to the SEM court ruling, the leaders had approached the Delhi High Court seeking relief against their custody extension, where the court questioned their approach while proceedings were pending before the magistrate. Live visuals showed the CJP leaders being escorted out of court to complete final release formalities at Tihar Jail, while formal details regarding the specific conditions imposed on their bail remain awaited.Marco Rubio Backs India, Slams UN Criticism Amid Ongoing Anti-CEC ProtestsUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed UN criticism of India's response to anti-CEC protests, questioning the credibility of UN experts and affirming India's democratic electoral process while declining to intervene in domestic matters.

Over 20 UN experts had previously urged Indian authorities to halt alleged excessive force, baton charges, detentions, and digital disruptions, calling for an independent inquiry. India rejected the remarks, asserting that human rights concerns must not serve as instruments for political pressure.

The diplomatic exchange coincides with Rubio's official visit focusing on bilateral energy cooperation, Venezuela affairs, and discussions surrounding crude oil refining at Gujarat's Jamnagar refinery complex.