Triangular contest in Telangana gram panchayat elections first phase
Hyderabad: The Telangana State Election Commission confirmed a triangular contest in the first phase of gram panchayat elections, set for polling on December 11.
Officials reported that 13,127 sarpanch candidates are competing in 3,836 gram panchayats. In the same phase, 27,960 wards will see elections with 67,893 candidates contesting after the withdrawal process ended.
The commission issued notifications for 4,236 panchayats. Among these, 395 panchayats elected their sarpanch and ward members without any contest. However, five panchayats received no nominations at all. After 8,095 candidates withdrew, 3,836 panchayats moved to active polling.
At the ward level, authorities notified 37,440 wards. Out of these, 9,480 completed their elections unanimously, and 9,626 candidates pulled out of the race. This left 27,960 wards for polling on December 11, with 67,893 candidates in the fray.
Campaigning intensifies ahead of gram panchayat elections
Candidates have launched vigorous campaigns, moving door to door to meet voters. They are distributing handbills promising development, while banners and placards cover local streets. Many have turned autos and other vehicles into mobile rallies, using microphones and symbols to urge people to vote.
With just five days of campaigning allowed, candidates have accelerated their outreach. They visit each voter multiple times a day to build support.
Preparations for the second phase are progressing. Thursday marked the last day to appeal rejected nominations. In this phase, officials received 28,278 nominations for 4,332 sarpanch posts and 93,595 for 38,342 ward positions. After scrutiny, authorities displayed valid nominations in each village.
Officers conducted appeal hearings on Friday. Candidates have until 3 PM Saturday to withdraw. On the same day, officials will release the final list and assign election symbols. Campaigning for the second phase starts Saturday evening. Polling will take place on December 14 from 7 AM to 1 PM, with counting scheduled to begin at 2 PM.
For the third phase, nomination submissions closed on Friday. In 182 mandals, returning officers received applications for 4,159 sarpanch and 36,452 ward positions. The Election Commission will soon release the official candidate numbers.
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