Nominations open for Telangana’s first phase of Gram Panchayat polls covering 4,326 villages. Voting begins December 11 with 1.66 crore rural voters eligible.

Telangana began accepting nominations on Thursday for the first phase of Gram Panchayat elections, formally launching the electoral process across rural areas. The initial round covers 4,326 villages and 37,459 wards, with candidates allowed to file nominations until November 29. Withdrawal of nominations will be permitted up to December 3.

Polling for the first phase is scheduled on December 11, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by counting from 2 p.m. The Telangana State Election Commission (TSEC), which issued the election schedule earlier this week, announced that the model code of conduct is now in force statewide.

A total of 1.66 crore rural voters are eligible to participate in the elections, which will be conducted in three phases on December 11, 14, and 17, covering 12,728 sarpanch posts and 1,12,242 ward positions.

The state government opted to prioritise Panchayat polls this December due to the impending ₹3,000 crore grant linked to the 15th Finance Commission, which will lapse if elections are not conducted before March 31, 2026. Decisions on conducting MPTC, ZPTC and municipal polls will be taken after the Telangana High Court delivers its final order on 42% reservation for Backward Classes, currently capped at 50% for all categories combined.

According to the latest data, 17.08% of Gram Panchayats have been reserved for BCs, with 2,176 seats allocated. Siddipet district leads with 26.77% reservation, while Bhadradri Kothagudem has no BC-reserved Panchayats.

This election marks a crucial administrative exercise, not only for rural governance but also for safeguarding central financial support. With reservation restructuring under judicial scrutiny, the polls could influence political dynamics at the grassroots. Candidates and local voters are expected to weigh governance priorities heavily as funds and timelines tighten.