Telangana's first phase of panchayat polling begins today

Telangana is fully prepared for the first phase of the Panchayat elections. Polling will take place from 7 AM to 1 PM, followed by counting at 2 PM, and the results are expected to be announced later in the day.

To prevent any untoward incidents, security has been strengthened across the state with extensive deployment of police personnel. Lakhs of polling staff are engaged in election duties, and polling activities in over 3,000 panchayats will be monitored through webcasting.

In this phase, elections will be conducted in 3,800 village Panchayats and 37,440 wards spread across 189 mandals. More than 5.6 million voters are eligible to cast their vote. A total of 12,960 candidates are contesting for the position of Sarpanch, while 65,455 candidates are competing for ward member posts. Authorities have set up 37,562 polling stations for the smooth conduct of elections.

So far, Sarpanch posts in 395 villages have been declared unanimous. With the Model Code of Conduct in force, officials have seized Rs. 8.20 crore in cash, liquor, and other materials being transported illegally. A total of 229 FIRs have been registered for violations.

To ensure strict vigilance, 54 border check posts and 537 flying squads are actively monitoring movement. The Excise Department has ordered closure of liquor shops in mandals where polling is taking place.

The second and third phases of the Panchayat elections are scheduled for December 14 and December 17, respectively.