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Summary:

The first phase of the second ordinary elections for Telangana Gram Panchayats is set to take place on December 11, 2025. Over 5.61 lakh voters will decide the fate of candidates for Sarpanch and Ward member positions across 3,834 Gram Panchayats. Female voters outnumber male voters. 395 Sarpanches and 9,331 Ward members have already been unanimously elected. The State Election Commissioner emphasized the importance of voting and outlined acceptable photo ID for voters lacking the standard EPIC. Authorities have filed over 3,214 FIRs related to Model Code of Conduct violations, seizing significant amounts of cash, liquor, and narcotics. Subsequent phases of the election are scheduled for December 14th and 17th. Election authorities have also reported some officials were suspended for failing to perform election duties.

News Article:

Telangana Gears Up for Phase One of Gram Panchayat Elections Amidst Security Measures

HYDERABAD, December 11, 2025 – Telangana is set to hold the first phase of its second ordinary Gram Panchayat elections today, December 11, 2025. Over 560,000 voters will head to the polls between 7:00 AM and 1:00 PM to elect representatives for 3,834 Sarpanch posts and 27,960 Ward member positions. Counting will begin at 2:00 PM.

The elections are being closely monitored by the Telangana State Election Commission (TGSEC). State Election Commissioner I. Rani Kumudini urged all eligible citizens to exercise their right to vote. Voters without an Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) can still cast their ballots by presenting one of 18 approved photo ID documents, including Aadhaar cards, driver’s licenses, and passports.

“It is crucial that every citizen participates in this democratic process,” Commissioner Kumudini stated during a press conference on Wednesday.

Pre-election security measures have been heightened. Additional DGP Mahesh M. Bhagwat reported that over 3,214 FIRs have been filed for violations of the Model Code of Conduct since it came into effect on November 25th. Authorities have seized over ₹7.54 crore in illegal assets, including ₹1.7 crore in cash, ₹2.84 crore worth of liquor, and ₹2.22 crore worth of narcotics.

Notably, 395 Sarpanches and 9,331 Ward members have already been unanimously elected, foregoing the need for elections in those areas. A total of 1,204 Sarpanches were unanimously elected across the entire state. Authorities are also actively working to prevent the auctioning of posts, reinforcing the integrity of the democratic process.

“We are committed to ensuring free and fair elections,” Additional DGP Bhagwat said.

District Collectors are overseeing the distribution of election materials, while officials confirmed at least 14 officers have been suspended for failing to properly perform their election duties. The second and third phases of the Telangana Gram Panchayat elections are scheduled for December 14th and December 17th.

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