NewKerala.com

Telangana's Rural Vote: Gram Panchayat Elections Set for Three Phases

Telangana is gearing up for crucial Gram Panchayat elections next month. The voting will take place in three phases on December 11, 14, and 17 across the state. These elections will fill 12,728 sarpanch positions and over 1.12 lakh ward member posts. The state election commission has implemented the model code of conduct immediately following the announcement.

Key Points: Telangana Gram Panchayat Elections Scheduled in Three Phases

  • Elections scheduled for December 11, 14 and 17 across 12,728 Gram Panchayats
  • 1.66 crore rural voters eligible to cast ballots in three phases
  • 17.08% reservation provided for Backward Classes in Gram Panchayats
  • Polling hours from 7 AM to 1 PM with counting same day at 2 PM
3 min read

Telangana: Gram Panchayat elections to be held in three phases

Telangana to hold Gram Panchayat elections across three phases in December for 12,728 sarpanch posts and 1.12 lakh wards, with 1.66 crore voters eligible.

"The model code of conduct came into immediate effect across the state - State Election Commissioner I. Rani Kumudini"

Hyderabad, Nov 25

Gram Panchayat elections in Telangana will be held in three phases next month.

As per the notification issued by the Telangana State Election Commission announced on Tuesday, elections will be held on December 11, 14 and 17 for 12,728 posts of sarpanchs and 1,12,242 wards.

State Election Commissioner I. Rani Kumudini said the model code of conduct came into immediate effect across the state.

She said polling would be held from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the counting of votes would be taken the same day from 2 p.m.

A total of 1.66 crore votes in rural areas are eligible to cast their votes in these elections.

The SEC recalled that the election notification was issued on September 29, but the same was later kept in abeyance.

Nominations for the first phase of elections open on November 27, while the last date for withdrawal of candidatures will be December 3.

For the second phase, nominations will be accepted from November 30, while the last date for withdrawal of candidatures will be December 6. Nominations for the final phase of elections can be filed from December 3, while December 9 will be the last date for withdrawal of nominations.

The SEC has provided 17.08 per cent reservation in Gram Panchayats for Backward Classes (BCs). Out of the total 12,735 Gram Panchayats, 2,176 have been reserved for BCs.

Among 31 districts where elections will be held, Siddipet has the highest BC reservation at 26.772. In Bhadradri Kothagudem district, no Gram Panchayat has been reserved for BCs.

The Telangana Cabinet on November 17 decided to conduct only Gram Panchayat elections in December as the Rs 3000 crores grant that should come from the Centre will lapse by March 31, 2026.

As the term of the 15th Finance Commission is coming to an end on March 31, 2026, the Rs 3000 crores grant that Gram Panchayats have to get from the Centre will lapse if the elections are not held before the deadline.

It was announced that the decision on conducting elections for Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituencies (MPTCs), Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituencies (ZPTCs) and municipal corporations will be taken after the High Court’s final orders on 42 per cent reservation for BCs.

As per the High Court order, the local body elections have to be held with a 50 per cent cap on total reservation for all sections.

The government issued an order to provide 42 per cent reservation to BCs, and based on this, the election process had also started in September. However, as the High Court set aside the government order, the election process was suspended.

The government will decide on conducting MPTC, ZPTC polls after the court pronounces its final orders on 42 per cent reservation.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting that they're rushing because of the ₹3000 crore grant deadline. While the funds are important, I hope this doesn't compromise the election quality. The reservation issue seems quite complicated with court interventions.
K
Karthik V
The 17.08% reservation for BCs seems reasonable, but why no reservation in Bhadradri Kothagudem district? There must be some BC population there too. The distribution should be more equitable across all districts.
S
Sarah B
As someone who has observed rural governance, these elections are crucial for grassroots democracy. The timing from 7 AM to 1 PM is practical for villagers. Hope women voters participate actively!
M
Manish T
The counting on the same day is a good move - reduces chances of manipulation. But I'm concerned about the model code of conduct implementation. Hope the SEC ensures fair play for all candidates.
A
Anjali F
With 1.66 crore voters, this is massive! Hope the election commission has adequate arrangements. The focus should be on development-oriented candidates who can utilize the central funds properly for village infrastructure. 💪

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50