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.

The post Tough Fights Mark Telangana Sarpanch Polls appeared first on India Podcast.

Earlier, the election notification covered 4,236 sarpanch seats and 37,440 ward member seats. However, no nominations were filed for five sarpanch posts and 169 ward posts. Additionally, 396 sarpanch seats and 9,633 ward positions were already elected unanimously. One sarpanch seat and ten ward seats remain under High Court stay.

In this phase, 12,960 candidates are contesting for sarpanch posts, while 65,455 candidates are competing for ward member seats. Competition remains intense in several villages due to multiple candidates.

For smooth polling, the State Election Commission installed CCTV cameras at every polling station. Furthermore, they added webcasting in 3,461 sensitive polling centres. Nearly 50,000 civil police, 60 special platoons, and 2,000 fire and forest personnel are on duty. SEC Rani Kumudini urged voters to vote freely and peacefully.

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