Did Congress Triumph in Telangana's Local Polls by Securing Over 50% of Sarpanch Positions in the First Phase?
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Synopsis
The recent local elections in Telangana saw the ruling Congress party gain a significant foothold by winning over 50% of the Sarpanch posts. This victory indicates a strong public endorsement, showcasing the party's continuing influence in the region. Stay informed about the implications of these results for future political dynamics in Telangana.
Key Takeaways
- Congress secured over 50% of Sarpanch posts in Telangana.
- BRS came in second with 1,159 posts.
- Polling recorded 84.28% turnout.
- 12,960 candidates contested for Sarpanch positions.
- Majority wins were achieved in most districts.
Hyderabad, Dec 12 (NationPress) The Congress party achieved a significant victory on Friday in the initial phase of the Gram Panchayat elections in Telangana, claiming over half of the available 4,236 Sarpanch posts.
Candidates endorsed by Congress secured a total of 2,319 Sarpanch positions, including those who were elected unopposed.
Despite the elections being conducted on a non-party basis, the results indicate that Congress-affiliated candidates dominated the polls across the majority of Gram Panchayats.
In second place, the main opposition party, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), won 1,159 Sarpanch posts, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) trailed significantly with just 188 posts. Additionally, other candidates and independents were elected in 534 Gram Panchayats.
Out of the total, 396 Sarpanches were elected unanimously, with polling held for 3,834 Sarpanch positions across 31 districts on Thursday.
Aside from Siddipet and Kumaram Bheem districts, Congress secured a majority in all remaining districts.
The ruling party obtained a clear majority in districts such as Nalgonda, Khammam, Medak, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri, Warangal, Adilabad, Surypapet, Karimnagar, Kamareddy, Jangaon, Nagakurnool, Narayanpet, Nizamabad, Nirmal, Peddalli, and Manechrial, Rajanna Sircilla, Vikarabad, Mulugu, Jayashankar Bhupalapally, and Jagtial.
BRS-backed candidates achieved a majority only in Siddipet and Kumaram Bheem.
The BRS provided a strong challenge to Congress in districts like Mahabubabad, Mahabubnagar, Wanaparthy, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Sangareddy, Rangareddy, and Hanumakonda.
According to the State Election Commission, a turnout of 84.28% was recorded. Polling commenced at 7 a.m. and concluded at 1 p.m. for 3,834 Sarpanch posts and 27,628 Ward Member positions.
A total of 12,960 candidates contested for Sarpanch posts, with 65,455 candidates vying for the Ward Member positions. More than 56 lakh voters were eligible to participate at 37,562 polling centers across 189 mandals.
Vote counting started at 2 p.m. and continued past midnight, with recounts conducted in Gram Panchayats where victory margins were narrow.
The election notification was issued for 4,326 Sarpanch posts and 37,440 Ward Member posts, with no nominations filed for 5 Sarpanch posts and 169 Ward Member positions.
For 396 Gram Panchayats and 9,633 Ward Members, elections were conducted unanimously.
Legal restrictions had been placed on elections in one Gram Panchayat and 10 Ward Members.
A total of 56,19,430 eligible voters, comprising 27,41,070 males and 28,78,159 females, were able to participate in this first phase. According to the SEC, 45,15,141 voters exercised their right to vote.
Over one lakh polling staff were deployed, and direct webcasting was arranged in 3,461 Gram Panchayats to ensure real-time monitoring of the voting process.
More than 50,000 police personnel were stationed to maintain peaceful polling.
In response to the election results, state Congress President Mahesh Kumar Goud remarked that they reflect the people's trust in the Congress government.
As per the notification from the State Election Commission last month, the panchayat elections are scheduled in three phases on December 11, 14, and 17, covering 12,728 Sarpanch posts and 1,12,242 Ward Member posts.
In total, 1.66 crore votes are eligible from rural areas for this election.
The Telangana Cabinet decided last month to conduct only Gram Panchayat elections in December, as a Rs 3,000 crore grant from the Centre will expire by March 31, 2026.
Future elections for Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituencies (MPTCs), Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituencies (ZPTCs), and municipal corporations will be held after the High Court issues its final orders regarding the 42% reservation for Backward Classes (BCs).
In October, the High Court annulled a government order that provided 42% reservation for BCs in local bodies but permitted the elections to proceed with a total reservation cap of 50% for all groups.
The SEC has allocated a 17.08% reservation in Gram Panchayats for BCs. Out of 12,735 total Gram Panchayats, 2,176 have been set aside for BCs.
Point of View
It's crucial to recognize the significance of the Congress party's victory in Telangana's local elections. The results underscore the party's resilience and the electorate's trust in its governance. This development may reshape the political landscape in Telangana, with potential ramifications for future elections.
NationPress
13/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the voter turnout in the Telangana local polls?
The voter turnout recorded was 84.28%, showcasing robust participation from the electorate.
How many Sarpanch posts were contested in this election?
A total of 4,236 Sarpanch posts were up for election in the first phase.
Which party secured the highest number of Sarpanch posts?
The ruling Congress party secured over 50% of the Sarpanch posts, totaling 2,319.
What was the response from Congress regarding the election results?
State Congress President Mahesh Kumar Goud stated that the results reflect the people's confidence in the Congress government.
When will the next phases of the panchayat elections be held?
The next phases of the panchayat elections are scheduled for December 14 and 17.
