How is Congress Performing in the 2nd Phase of Panchayat Elections in Telangana?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In an impressive turn of events, the ruling Congress party has demonstrated its electoral strength by winning a significant majority in the second phase of the Panchayat elections in Telangana. The results reflect a commanding lead over rival parties and highlight the party's continued influence in local governance.
Key Takeaways
- Congress maintains strong leadership in local elections.
- High voter turnout indicates robust public engagement.
- Opposition parties face challenges in gaining traction.
- Future elections will be monitored closely following recent court rulings.
- Political dynamics in Telangana continue to evolve.
Hyderabad, Dec 14 (NationPress) The ruling Congress party has continued its strong showing in the Gram Panchayat elections in Telangana, securing a majority of the seats during the second phase. In the elections held on Sunday for 4,333 Sarpanch posts, candidates backed by Congress won 2,216 seats.
The main opposition party, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), came in second with 1,177 seats, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) trailed far behind with 259 seats. Additionally, independents and other candidates captured 619 seats.
As of 11 p.m. on Sunday, results for 4,271 seats had been announced.
Polling took place on Sunday for 3,911 Sarpanch posts and 29,917 Ward Member posts across 193 mandals. The voting, which commenced at 7 a.m. under strict security measures, concluded at 1 p.m., with vote counting starting at 2 p.m.
Of the 57.22 lakh voters (comprising 29.26 lakh female and 27.96 lakh male voters), 85.86 percent participated in the elections to determine the outcomes for 12,782 candidates vying for Sarpanch posts and 71,071 candidates for Ward Member posts.
In the second phase, the State Election Commission (SEC) had issued notifications for 4,333 Sarpanch posts and 38,350 Ward Member posts, with candidates for 415 Sarpanch and 8,307 Ward Members being elected unopposed. No nominations were submitted for 108 Ward Member posts.
No elections were held in two Gram Panchayats and 18 Wards.
The SEC mobilized 4,593 returning officers and 30,661 employees to facilitate the second phase of the elections, with 2,489 micro-observers appointed to supervise the polling process.
The first phase of the elections took place on December 11, resulting in the election of 3,834 Sarpanches, 27,346 Ward Members, and 3,347 Upa Sarpanches. Out of 56,19,430 registered voters, 45,15,141 exercised their right to vote, achieving an 84.28 percent turnout.
During the first phase, the Congress claimed a decisive lead, with 2,864 Congress-backed candidates winning in the Sarpanch elections, translating to a 67.63 percent success rate of the total 4,235 Sarpanch seats. Candidates supported by BRS clinched 1,143 seats (26.99 percent), while BJP-backed candidates won 185 seats (4.37 percent), and independents and others accounted for 43 seats (1.02 percent).
The SEC had earlier announced that the panchayat elections would occur in three phases on December 11, 14, and 17 for a total of 12,728 Sarpanch posts and 1,12,242 Ward Member posts.
Approximately 1.66 crore votes from rural areas are eligible for this electoral process.
Last month, the Telangana Cabinet decided to limit the elections to only Gram Panchayats in December due to the impending lapse of a Rs 3,000 crore grant from the Centre, which will expire by March 31, 2026.
Future elections for Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituencies (MPTCs), Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituencies (ZPTCs), and municipal corporations will depend on the final directives from the High Court regarding the 42 percent reservation for Backward Classes (BCs).
In October, the High Court annulled a government order that set aside 42 percent reservation for BCs in local bodies but permitted the elections to proceed with a 50 percent cap on total reservations for all communities.
Point of View
I observe that the ongoing Panchayat elections in Telangana serve as a crucial barometer for the ruling Congress party's popularity. Their substantial victories in both the first and second phases illustrate a strong foothold in local governance, while the performance of opposition parties like BRS and BJP raises questions about their strategies moving forward. The unfolding political dynamics will undoubtedly influence the broader electoral landscape in the state.
NationPress
14/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the turnout percentage in the second phase of Panchayat elections?
The turnout percentage in the second phase of the Panchayat elections was 85.86%.
How many Sarpanch seats did Congress win in the second phase?
Congress-backed candidates won 2,216 Sarpanch seats in the second phase.
When was the first phase of the Panchayat elections conducted?
The first phase of the Panchayat elections was conducted on December 11.
What is the total number of voters eligible for these elections?
A total of 1.66 crore votes from rural areas are eligible to cast their votes in these elections.
What is the significance of the 42% reservation for Backward Classes in the elections?
The 42% reservation for Backward Classes has been a contentious issue, with the High Court ruling impacting the structure of local body elections.
