Telangana Local Body Polls: Key Dates, Voter Lists, and Logistics
Telangana gears up for local body elections with voter lists finalized, polling stations set, and SEC ensuring smooth conduct. Election schedule expected soon.
image for illustrative purpose
The Telangana government has accelerated preparations for the upcoming local body elections, focusing on the smooth conduct of Mandal Parishad and Zilla Parishad polls. The State Election Commission (SEC) has directed officials to finalize the voter lists and polling station details.
As part of the process, officials have compiled voter lists for Gram Panchayat wards, incorporating new voters. These lists are being displayed at Mandal and Zilla Parishads, allowing candidates to review and verify them. The final polling station list will be released on February 11, followed by a two-day window on February 12 and 13 for addressing objections. Political party representatives will meet on February 13 to discuss suggestions regarding polling arrangements. By February 14, these recommendations will be forwarded to the District Election Officer and Collector for approval, and the final voter list will be published on February 15.
The Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency (MPTC) and Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency (ZPTC) elections will take place under party symbols. Political parties have already begun strategizing, with state leaders, ministers, and legislators receiving directives to gear up for the polls. The SEC has also been instructed to be fully prepared before the election notification is issued.
District Collectors are coordinating logistics, including the procurement of polling slips, pamphlets, stationery, and other essential materials. Tenders have been invited for printing election-related documents in multiple districts, with the process completed in areas like Jagitial and Sircilla. In Peddapalli district, ballot printing has been finalized, while Karimnagar remains in the tender stage. Officials expect election materials to be delivered within the next ten days.
The official election schedule is anticipated after February 15. The state government is prioritizing Mandal and Zilla Parishad elections under party symbols before holding Gram Panchayat elections, which will not feature party symbols.
There is growing speculation that the government may revise reservation quotas following the recently concluded caste census and Scheduled Caste (SC) classification survey. Currently, Backward Classes (BC) reservations stand at 28 per cent, but discussions suggest an increase to 42 per cent, pending legislative approval. If enacted, this change could significantly impact candidate representation in the elections.
Meanwhile, district officials, including collectors and additional collectors, are preparing to conduct the elections once the notification is issued. Efforts are being intensified at the Gram Panchayat level for ward-wise voter list verification, polling station identification, staff appointments, and ballot paper printing. Coordination meetings are being held to assess readiness and address any logistical challenges.
