1. Yadadri Bhuvanagiri led with the highest participation of 92.88%
2. Bhadradri Kothagudem recorded the lowest of 71.79%

The first phase of Elections to Gram Panchayats in Telangana concluded successfully on Thursday, recording an impressive overall voter turnout of 84.28%. This high participation underscored the enthusiasm of rural voters in shaping local governance, with a total of 4,515,141 votes polled out of 5,357,277 eligible voters across the participating districts. The elections, conducted on a non-party basis without political symbols, are seen as a significant litmus test for the popularity of major parties including the ruling Congress, BRS, and BJP, despite the apolitical nature of the polls.

The polling process was held smoothly and peacefully under the supervision of the Telangana State Election Commission (TSEC), led by State Election Commissioner I. Rani Kumudini. Extensive arrangements ensured free, fair, and transparent elections, with no major incidents reported on poll day. Overall, the administration's proactive steps, including the deployment of over 2,000 police personnel in districts like Khammam and classifications of polling stations as critical or normal, contributed to a secure environment.

Polling commenced at 7:00 a.m. and concluded at 1:00 p.m. across 3,836 Gram Panchayats (after 395 Sarpanches were elected unanimously) and approximately 27,628 wards. A total of 37,562 polling stations were set up, with webcasting implemented in over 3,000 Gram Panchayats for real-time monitoring to enhance transparency. Voters without an Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) were allowed to use 18 alternative photo IDs, such as Aadhaar, driving license, or passport, provided their names appeared on the electoral rolls.

The TSEC reported progressive voter turnout figures every two hours, reflecting steady enthusiasm. By 9:00 a.m.: 1,128,713 votes polled (21.07% turnout). By 11:00 a.m.: 2,841,266 votes polled (53.04% cumulative turnout). By 1:00 p.m.: 4,241,272 votes polled (79.17% cumulative turnout). Final tally at close of poll: 4,515,141 votes (84.28%).

Gender-wise breakdown of the final votes showed strong participation: Males recorded 84.16% turnout (2,199,267 votes), females 84.40% (2,315,796 votes), and others 41.27% (78 votes). A holiday was declared in polling areas to facilitate voter participation, and enforcement teams seized inducements worth over Rs 8.20 crore, including cash, liquor, and narcotics, leading to 3,214 FIRs for Model Code of Conduct violations since November 25.

A total of around 12,960 candidates contested for Sarpanch positions, while 65,455 vied for ward member posts. The elections covered all eligible Gram Panchayats whose terms had expired, excluding a few in districts like Mulugu, Karimnagar, and Khammam due to court orders.

District-wise polling percentages

Voter turnout varied across Telangana's 31 districts, with rural areas demonstrating remarkable civic engagement. Yadadri Bhuvanagiri led with the highest participation, while Bhadradri Kothagudem recorded the lowest. Here is the detailed breakdown:

Yadadri Bhuvanagiri: 92.88% (144,483 votes out of 155,552 voters), Nalgonda: 90.53% (408,316 votes out of 451,007 voters), Suryapet: 90.18% (205,583 votes out of 227,960 voters), Khammam: 90.16% (216,854 votes out of 240,528 voters), Ranga Reddy: 88.67% (187,573 votes out of 211,544 voters), Medak: 88.46% (144,323 votes out of 163,148 voters), Sangareddy: 87.96% (171,804 votes out of 195,323 voters), Siddipet: 87.76% (161,971 votes out of 184,560 voters), Nagarkurnool: 87.41% (156,710 votes out of 179,279 voters), Janagaon: 87.33% (145,404 votes out of 166,497 voters), Mahabubabad: 86.99% (149,812 votes out of 172,218 voters), Warangal: 86.83% (95,939 votes out of 110,487 voters), Jogulamba Gadwal: 86.77% (114,263 votes out of 131,679 voters), Wanaparthy: 84.94% (103,225 votes out of 121,528 voters), Narayanpet: 84.58% (56,403 votes out of 66,689 voters),

Hanumakonda: 83.95% (108,003 votes out of 128,651 voters), Jayashankar Bhupalpally: 83.59% (90,021 votes out of 107,690 voters), Mahabubnagar: 83.04% (129,165 votes out of 155,544 voters), Peddapalli: 82.24% (118,309 votes out of 143,856 voters), Karimnagar: 81.82% (124,699 votes out of 152,408 voters), Nizamabad: 81.37% (197,492 votes out of 242,723 voters), Vikarabad: 81.21% (216,212 votes out of 266,252 voters), Nirmal: 80.29% (97,007 votes out of 120,824 voters), Mancherial: 80.04% (95,810 votes out of 119,700 voters), Rajanna Siricilla: 79.57% (88,442 votes out of 111,148 voters),

Kamareddy: 79.40% (192,870 votes out of 242,913 voters), Komaram Bheem Asifabad: 78.78% (76,669 votes out of 97,318 voters), Mulugu: 78.65% (47,472 votes out of 60,361 voters), Jagital: 77.68% (169,486 votes out of 218,194 voters), Adilabad: 75.25% (114,847 votes out of 152,626 voters) and Bhadradri Kothagudem: 71.79% (185,974 votes out of 259,070 voters) These figures highlight strong voter mobilization in districts like Yadadri Bhuvanagiri and Nalgonda, where turnout exceeded 90%, potentially driven by local issues and effective awareness campaigns.

The elections are part of a three-phase schedule for 12,728 Gram Panchayats and 1.12 lakh wards, involving over 1.66 crore rural voters statewide. Phase 2 is set for December 14, and Phase 3 for December 17, with counting immediately following polling the same day.