ZPTC and MPTC Elections (Two Phases)

Phase-I: Notification and nominations start October 9; last date for nominations October 11; scrutiny October 12; withdrawal deadline October 15 (3:00 PM); polling October 23 (7:00 AM–5:00 PM); counting November 11.

Phase-II: Nominations October 13–15; scrutiny October 16; withdrawal October 19 (3:00 PM); polling October 27 (7:00 AM–5:00 PM); counting November 11.

Gram Panchayat Elections (Three Phases)

Phase-I: Nominations October 17–19; scrutiny October 20; withdrawal October 23 (3:00 PM); polling and same-day counting October 31 (7:00 AM–5:00 PM).

Phase-II: Nominations October 21–23; scrutiny October 24; withdrawal October 27 (3:00 PM); polling and counting November 4.

Phase-III: Nominations October 25–27; scrutiny October 28; withdrawal October 31 (3:00 PM); polling and counting November 8.

The Telangana State Election Commission (TSEC) has released the detailed schedule for ordinary elections to rural local bodies, marking a significant step in strengthening grassroots democracy. State Election Commissioner Rani Kumudini (IAS Retd) announced the timetable during a press conference, emphasizing fair and transparent conduct across 31 districts (excluding Hyderabad and parts of Ranga Reddy).

The elections aim to fill 565 Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituencies (ZPTCs), 5,749 Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituencies (MPTCs), 12,733 Sarpanch positions, and 1,12,288 wards in Gram Panchayats. Notably, ZPTC and MPTC polls will be party-based, while Sarpanch and ward elections remain non-political, without party symbols. Over 1.67 crore voters—81.65 lakh males, 85.36 lakh females, and 504 others—will participate, with more women voters highlighting increased gender representation.

The process, spanning October 9 to November 11, will unfold in five phases to ensure smooth execution. The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is effective immediately in poll-bound areas, prohibiting new schemes or transfers that could influence voters.

Polling will use traditional ballot boxes and papers, with 31,300 stations at 15,302 locations for ZPTC/MPTC and 1,12,474 stations at 15,522 locations for Gram Panchayats. Boxes have been borrowed from Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh to meet requirements.

Preparations followed Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines, with electoral rolls finalized on September 10 after a special summary revision in July. Reservations for offices were gazetted, adhering to the Telangana Panchayat Raj Act, 2018. However, elections are stayed for 14 MPTCs, 27 Gram Panchayats, and 246 wards due to High Court orders in various petitions.

District-wise phase allocations ensure balanced coverage, with examples like Adilabad in Phase-I for MPTC/ZPTC and varying phases for Gram Panchayats based on revenue divisions and mandals.

Commissioner Kumudini urged all stakeholders to uphold democratic values, appealing to voters for high turnout and to the media for promoting awareness. "Successful elections depend on peaceful participation and strict MCC adherence," she stated.

The TSEC assures robust security and accessibility, including for differently-abled voters, to make the process inclusive. This election holds political significance, as Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's Congress strategizes around 42% BC reservations to solidify rural support, while BRS under KCR aims for revival after recent setbacks, and BJP seeks to expand its influence in local governance.