Is Polling Taking Place for the First Phase of Panchayat Elections in Telangana?
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Synopsis
As Telangana conducts its Gram Panchayat elections, polling is currently in progress with a significant number of candidates and voters. This election phase is crucial for political parties and has been organized under tight security to ensure fairness. Stay tuned for updates on the outcomes and implications for local governance.
Key Takeaways
- Polling for Telangana Gram Panchayat elections is underway.
- 3,834 Sarpanch and 27,628 Ward Member positions are up for grabs.
- 56 lakh voters eligible at 37,562 polling centers.
- Security measures include over 50,000 police personnel.
- Counting of votes starts at 2 p.m. today.
Hyderabad, Dec 11 (NationPress) The first phase of the Telangana Gram Panchayat elections is in progress today, with polling commencing at 7 a.m. for 3,834 Sarpanch positions and 27,628 Ward Member positions, all under strict security measures.
A total of 12,960 candidates are vying for Sarpanch roles, while 65,455 candidates are competing for the Ward Member positions.
Over 56 lakh voters are eligible to participate at 37,562 polling centers across 189 mandals.
Polling will continue until 1 p.m., with vote counting scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. Following this, newly-elected ward members will convene to choose deputy sarpanches.
The elections are being viewed as a crucial test for the ruling Congress and opposition parties BRS and BJP, despite being conducted on a non-partisan basis.
The election notification covered 4,326 Sarpanch posts and 37,440 Ward Member posts, although no nominations were submitted for five Sarpanch posts and 169 Ward Member posts.
Sarpanches for 396 Gram Panchayats and 9,633 Ward Members were elected unanimously.
Court orders have placed a stay on elections for one Gram Panchayat and ten Ward Members.
A total of 56,19,430 eligible voters, comprising 27,41,070 males and 28,78,159 females, are participating in this initial phase.
A public holiday has been declared in regions where elections are underway to facilitate voter participation.
Station Election Commissioner Rani Kumudini confirmed that all necessary arrangements have been made for a peaceful and fair election process.
More than 100,000 polling staff are on duty, with direct webcasting set up in 3,461 Gram Panchayats for real-time monitoring of the polling process.
District Collectors and General Observers are overseeing the elections via webcasting.
Over 50,000 police personnel have been deployed, including officers from the Civil Police, Armed Reserve, and Telangana State Special Police (TGSP), along with staff from various other departments to ensure smooth election proceedings.
Director General of Police B. Shivadhar Reddy stated that adequate security has been arranged at all counting centers since counting will take place immediately after polling.
Thus far, enforcement teams have confiscated cash, liquor, drugs, precious metals, and other incentives valued at Rs 8.20 crore during the electoral process, with 229 FIRs filed for violations of the Model Code of Conduct.
According to the notification from the State Election Commission last month, the panchayat elections are scheduled across three phases on December 11, 14, and 17 for 12,728 Sarpanch posts and 1,12,242 Ward Member posts.
A total of 1.66 crore rural votes are eligible in these elections.
The Telangana Cabinet recently decided to conduct only Gram Panchayat elections this December, as a Rs 3,000 crore grant from the Centre is due to expire by March 31, 2026.
Subsequent elections for Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituencies (MPTCs), Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituencies (ZPTCs), and municipal corporations will follow the High Court's final ruling on the 42% reservation for Backward Classes (BCs).
In October, the High Court annulled a government order granting 42% reservation for BCs in local bodies but permitted elections under a 50% cap on overall reservation for all groups.
The SEC has allocated 17.08% reservation in Gram Panchayats for BCs, with 2,176 out of 12,735 Gram Panchayats reserved for them.
Point of View
The ongoing Gram Panchayat elections in Telangana represent a critical juncture for local governance and political dynamics in the state. As the elections unfold, it will be essential to observe how they reflect broader trends in regional politics, especially given the non-partisan nature of the elections. The participation of a large voter base indicates a strong democratic engagement, which is crucial for the health of local governance.
NationPress
11/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Telangana Gram Panchayat elections?
These elections are crucial for local governance and can influence the political landscape, providing insight into voter sentiments and party performance.
How many candidates are contesting in these elections?
A total of 12,960 candidates are competing for Sarpanch posts and 65,455 for Ward Member posts.
What measures are in place for security during the elections?
Over 50,000 police personnel have been deployed alongside other security measures to ensure a peaceful polling process.
When will the counting of votes take place?
Vote counting will begin at 2 p.m. today.
How many voters are eligible to participate?
More than 56 lakh voters are eligible to cast their votes in the first phase.
