Local battle begins: Telangana announces schedule for Panchayat, MPTC and ZPTC elections

The stage is set for a major political showdown at the grassroots level in Telangana as the State Election Commission (SEC) has officially released the schedule for the upcoming local body elections.

These elections, which will nominate representatives from Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituencies (MPTC), Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituencies (ZPTC) and Gram Panchayats, will be held in five phases in all 31 districts of the state.

State Election Commissioner Rani Kumudini announced that polling would be held in 565 mandals, covering 5,749 MPTC seats, 565 ZPTC seats and 12,733 Gram Panchayats, comprising 1,12,288 wards in total. The elections will be divided into two phases for MPTC and ZPTC seats, followed by three phases for the Gram Panchayat elections.

MPTC and ZPTC elections – Phase 1

The first phase begins with applications opening on October 9, followed by the application deadline on October 11. The exam will be held on October 12 and candidates can withdraw until October 15. The poll is scheduled for October 23 and the counting of votes will take place on November 11.

MPTC and ZPTC elections – Phase 2

The second phase opens for applications on October 13 and the submission deadline is October 15. The exam is scheduled for October 16 and withdrawals will be allowed until October 19. Voting will take place on October 27 and votes will be counted on November 11.

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Gram Panchayat Elections – Phase 1

The first phase of the Gram Panchayat elections will begin with nominations from October 17 to 19, followed by polling on October 20. Withdrawals are allowed until October 23, and voting and declaration of results will take place on October 31.

Gram Panchayat Elections – Phase 2

In the second phase, applications will be accepted from October 21 to 23, with review on October 24. Withdrawals can be made before October 27, and the vote and results will be announced on November 4.

Gram Panchayat Elections – Phase 3

The third and final phase begins with nominations from October 25 to 27, followed by control on October 28. Withdrawals are allowed until October 31, and voting and announcement of results will take place on November 8.

According to the Election Commission, the counting of votes for the Gram Panchayat elections will be completed on the same day as polling, while MPTC and ZPTC votes will be counted on November 11. With local governance at stake, the elections are expected to witness intense political activity and popular mobilization across Telangana.