metro india news  I hyderabad

The Telangana State Election Commission has issued Notification calling for the 2nd Ordinary Elections to Gram Panchayats across the state. This notification supersedes earlier ones dated September 29 and October 9, which had placed the process in abeyance.

Exercising powers under Article 243-K of the Indian Constitution and relevant sections of the Telangana Panchayat Raj Act, 2018, the Commission has scheduled elections in three phases to elect Members and Sarpanches for expired-term Gram Panchayats (excluding 32 specified ones in Mulugu, Karimnagar, and Khammam districts due to court orders) and newly created ones.

The Model Code of Conduct came into immediate effect statewide.State Election Commissioner I. Rani Kumudini (Retd IAS) emphasized ensuring free, fair polls, urging voter participation in strengthening grassroots democracy. For queries, contact local Returning Officers.

The elections will cover a total of 12,735 Gram Panchayats statewide, with 2,176 allotted to Backward Classes (BC), representing 17.087%. District-wise distribution includes high numbers in Nagarkurnool (460 GPs, 61 BC), Nalgonda (869 GPs, 139 BC), and Suryapet (486 GPs, 66 BC), among others. Division-wise details on Mandals, GPs, and Wards are outlined in Annexure issued by the commission.

The first phase of the Telangana Gram Panchayat Elections commences with the issuance of the election notice and the start of nomination filings on November 27, from 10:30 AM to 5 PM. The last date for filing nominations is November 29, up to 5 PM, followed by scrutiny on November 30, up to 5 PM. The list of validly nominated candidates will be published after 5 PM on the same day.

Appeals must be filed by December 1, up to 5 PM, with disposal occurring before 5 PM on December 2. Withdrawals are allowed until 3 PM on December 3, after which the list of contesting candidates will be released. Polling will take place on December 11, from 7 AM to 1 PM, with vote counting starting from 2 PM onward and results declared soon after completion.

The second phase begins with nomination filings on November 30, from 10:30 AM to 5 PM, and the deadline for nominations is December 2, up to 5 PM. Scrutiny will be conducted on December 3, up to 5 PM, with the valid candidates list issued after 5 PM that day. Appeals are due by December 4, up to 5 PM, and will be disposed of before 5 PM on December 5. Candidates can withdraw until 3 PM on December 6, followed by the publication of the contesting candidates list. The poll date is December 14, with voting hours from 7 AM to 1 PM, counting from 2 PM, and results announced shortly thereafter.

The third phase kicks off with nominations on December 3, from 10:30 AM to 5 PM, ending on December 5, up to 5 PM. Scrutiny is scheduled for December 6, up to 5 PM, and the list of valid nominees will be out after 5 PM. Appeals must be submitted by December 7, up to 5 PM, with resolutions before 5 PM on December 8. Withdrawals close at 3 PM on December 9, leading to the contesting candidates list. Polling occurs on December 17, from 7 AM to 1 PM, followed by counting from 2 PM and prompt declaration of results.