In Mahabubabad district, Jatoth Harichand, backed by the BRS, secured a win in Chinya Thanda by just nine votes. Similarly, in Jagtial district, Megawat Latha, also supported by the BRS, won in Thimmapur with a margin of twelve votes. These close results highlight the intense competition seen across many villages.

Officials initially planned elections for 4,236 gram panchayats in the first phase. However, 395 sarpanch posts were filled unanimously before polling day. Therefore, voters cast ballots today in 3,834 gram panchayats, and the turnout remained strong across the state.

As counting continues, political parties are closely watching the numbers. These results will shape local governance and grassroots leadership for the next term. The close contests also reflect the heightened political activity in rural Telangana, especially with major parties trying to retain or expand their influence.

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Although sarpanch elections remain non-party based, major parties still back their preferred contestants. Therefore, Congress MLAs fear a loss of prestige if they fail to secure enough seats. They also worry that fewer victories may strengthen rival parties in their constituencies. Consequently, many MLAs are staying in their segments and visiting weak villages to boost the party’s ground strength.

MLAs are also sending discreet financial assistance to candidates who struggle with resources. In addition, they are deploying local teams to assist with campaigning and to improve booth-level coordination. These efforts aim to stop the opposition from gaining momentum in sensitive villages.

Meanwhile, several MLAs have already identified villages where rival-supported candidates appear stronger. They prepared a plan to bring those new sarpanchs into the Congress soon after the results. Their teams will escort the winners to the MLA camp office either on the same day or the next morning for an immediate welcome.

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Kumudini noted that voting will occur in 3,834 villages and 27,628 wards. Moreover, the Commission strengthened field monitoring to ensure smooth polling. Police increased inspections across the state and seized ₹8.2 crore during their checks. Additionally, they set up check-posts along the state borders to prevent illegal movement of cash and goods. She said these steps would support fair and transparent elections.

During her briefing, she mentioned that 395 villages recorded unanimous results in the first phase. Furthermore, another 495 villages reported unanimous outcomes in the second phase. She stated that these early results reflected local agreements among contestants. The Commission observed these developments closely.

Kumudini urged election staff to remain alert and maintain discipline on polling day. She also appealed to citizens to vote responsibly. Finally, she assured that the Commission would continue to uphold fairness in Telangana’s rural elections.

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