Telangana Panchayat Elections Scheduled In Three Phases In December

Gram panchayat elections have begun in Telangana. The State Election Commission announced the schedule on Tuesday. Elections are scheduled to take place in three phases on December 11, 14, and 17. Polling will be held from 7 am to 1 pm. Vote counting will begin at 2 pm on the same day. Results and election of sub-sarpanch is also scheduled to take place on the same day.

State Election Commissioner Rani Kumudini, while releasing the schedule and election process from her office, issued a gazette notification for the elections. She confirmed that the election code of conduct is now in effect. All candidates must follow it strictly.

Overall, 1,66,55,186 voters will vote in 12,728 panchayats and 1,12,242 wards across 564 mandals in 31 districts of Telangana. The ballot method will be used in the elections, and NOTA will also be available. On legal implications of holding elections before the High Court completes its investigation into local body elections, Rani Kumudini refused to comment. The BC reservation protests that have been happening in the state also drew no comment from her.

Election Phases and Timelines

• First Phase:

  • Notification issued: November 27
  • Nominations: November 27–29
  • Scrutiny: November 30
  • Petitions: December 1
  • Resolution: December 2
  • Withdrawal of nominations: December 3
  • Polling: December 11
  • Results: December 11

• Second Phase:

  • Notification issued: November 30
  • Nominations: November 30–December 2
  • Scrutiny: December 3
  • Requests: December 4
  • Resolution: December 5
  • Withdrawal: December 6
  • Polling: December 14
  • Results: December 14

• Third Phase:

  • Notice given: December 3
  • Nominations: December 3–5
  • Scrutiny: December 6
  • Requests: December 7
  • Resolution: December 8
  • Withdrawal: December 9
  • Polling: December 17
  • Results: December 17

In each phase, after declaring the results of ward members, the election of Upa Sarpanch is to be conducted on the same day in accordance with Section 15(10) of the Telangana Panchayat Act, 2018.

Suspended Elections

The State Election Commission has suspended elections in 32 panchayats and 292 wards as a result of court stay orders. This includes:

• 25 Gram Panchayats in Mangapet Mandal, Mulugu District
• 2 Gram Panchayats in V. Saidapur Mandal, Karimnagar District
• 4 Gram Panchayats in Enkuru Mandal, Khammam District
• 1 Gram Panchayat in Penuballi Mandal

Background

• The last panchayat elections were held in January 2019.
• Their term ends in January 2024.
• Special officers have been managing administrative duties since February 2024.
• On September 29, 2024, the election notification was released with 42% BC reservation.
• The State High Court stopped elections on October 9, 2024.
• The Supreme Court instructed the State Government to restrict reservations for SCs, STs, and BCs to 50%.
• Now, the State Election Commission is ready for elections.

Phase-wise Distribution

• First phase: 4,236 villages in 189 mandals, 37,440 wards
• Second phase: 4,333 villages in 193 mandals, 38,350 wards
• Third phase: 4,159 villages in 182 mandals, 36,452 wards

Grievance Redressal

The State Election Commission has set up a special department for receipt of complaints and petitions. Complaints can also be submitted online through the Grievance Module. There will be an exclusive telephone line (92400 21456) for election-related complaints, functioning round the clock.