Is Polling in the Second Phase of Panchayat Elections Happening in Telangana?
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Synopsis
As Telangana witnesses the second phase of Gram Panchayat elections today, over 57 lakh voters are poised to make impactful decisions for local governance. With strict security and a substantial number of candidates, the elections promise to shape the political landscape. Stay tuned for updates on this crucial electoral event.
Key Takeaways
- Polling for the second phase of elections is underway.
- 57.22 lakh voters are participating in the elections.
- Voting commenced at 7 a.m. and will end at 1 p.m..
- Counting of votes will start at 2 p.m..
- Strict security measures are in place for fair elections.
Hyderabad, Dec 14 (NationPress) Polling is currently taking place for the second phase of Gram Panchayat elections in Telangana this Sunday.
The voting process commenced at 7 a.m. under strict security measures and will conclude at 1 p.m. The vote counting is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m.
This phase of the election involves 3,911 Sarpanch positions and 29,917 Ward Member posts across 193 mandals.
More than 57.22 lakh voters, comprising 29.26 lakh females and 27.96 lakh males, will determine the destinies of 12,782 candidates for Sarpanch roles and 71,071 candidates for Ward Member positions.
For the second phase, the State Election Commission (SEC) issued notifications for 4,333 Sarpanch and 38,350 Ward Member posts. Notably, 415 Sarpanch and 8,307 Ward Members were elected unopposed, while no nominations were submitted for 108 Ward Member posts.
Polling is not taking place in two Gram Panchayats and 18 Wards; instead, it is being conducted for the remaining Sarpanch and Ward Member posts.
The SEC has deployed 4,593 returning officers and 30,661 staff members to facilitate the second phase of elections, along with appointing 2,489 micro-observers to supervise the polling.
Using 40,626 ballot papers, the SEC has implemented webcasting at 3,769 sensitive polling locations.
Post polling, the elected Ward Members will convene to select Upa (Deputy) Sarpanches.
The first phase of the elections occurred 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 participated, marking a turnout of 84.28 percent.
The ruling Congress party reported a significant lead in the first phase, with 2,864 Congress-backed candidates winning Sarpanch seats. Congress-supported candidates secured 67.63 percent of the total 4,235 Sarpanch positions. Meanwhile, candidates backed by the BRS claimed 1,143 seats (26.99 percent), BJP-supported candidates attained 185 seats (4.37 percent), while Independents and others accounted for 43 seats (1.02 percent).
According to the State Election Commission notification from last month, the panchayat elections are set to occur in three phases on December 11, 14, and 17 for a total of 12,728 Sarpanch positions and 1,12,242 Ward Member posts.
A total of 1.66 crore voters in rural areas are eligible to participate in these elections.
Last month, the Telangana Cabinet decided to conduct only Gram Panchayat elections in December as the Rs 3,000 crore grant from the Centre will expire by March 31, 2026.
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 percent reservation for Backward Classes (BCs).
In October, the High Court annulled a government order that provided 42 percent reservation for BCs in local bodies but permitted the elections to proceed with a 50 percent total reservation cap for all groups.
Point of View
The ongoing panchayat elections in Telangana highlight the importance of grassroots governance in shaping democracy. The significant voter turnout and participation reflect the public's engagement with local issues, a cornerstone of a vibrant democracy. The outcomes of these elections will not only influence local administration but also set the tone for future political dynamics in the state.
NationPress
14/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the Gram Panchayat elections in Telangana?
The Gram Panchayat elections are crucial as they empower local governance and allow citizens to participate in decision-making at the grassroots level, impacting community development and local administration.
How many phases are there in the Telangana Panchayat elections?
The Telangana Panchayat elections are being held in three phases on December 11, 14, and 17, covering a total of 12,728 Sarpanch posts and 1,12,242 Ward Member posts.
What measures are taken to ensure the security of polling?
The State Election Commission has implemented strict security measures, including deploying a large number of returning officers and employees to oversee the polling process.
What was the voter turnout in the first phase of elections?
In the first phase of the elections held on December 11, the voter turnout was 84.28 percent, with over 45 lakh voters participating.
Are there any unopposed elections in this phase?
Yes, in the second phase, 415 Sarpanch and 8,307 Ward Members were elected unopposed, indicating a lack of competition for those positions.
