Telangana's Gram Panchayat Elections: A Test of Political Popularity

The Gram Panchayat elections in Telangana began with polling in 3,834 villages, involving over 56 lakh voters. Around 13,000 candidates are contesting for Sarpanch positions. The elections, spanning three phases, are seen as a litmus test for the popularity of the Congress, BRS, and BJP.

Polling commenced across 3,834 villages in Telangana as the first phase of the Gram Panchayat elections took off on Thursday.

With over 56 lakh eligible voters, the elections involve around 13,000 candidates vying for Sarpanch roles, and 65,455 nominees competing for 27,628 ward positions. Unanimous polls occurred in 396 gram panchayats, according to officials.

To ensure transparency, webcasting was implemented in over 3,000 gram panchayats, while security measures classified polling stations based on criticality. Initiated at 7 am, polling is set to conclude by 1 pm, followed by counting at 2 pm.

(With inputs from agencies.)