The Telangana government has taken a key decision regarding the upcoming local body elections. The Cabinet resolved to conduct gram panchayat elections under the old reservation system, while MPTC, ZPTC, and municipal elections will be held only after disputes over 42% BC reservations are resolved. Since court cases pertain only to panchayat polls, these elections will be prioritized, with the High Court directing completion by December 20. Officials have been instructed to ensure the panchayat elections are completed within December, following 50% reservation norms as per previous High Court rulings and Supreme Court guidelines.
State Election Commission (SEC) Commissioner Rani Kumudini emphasized the need for efficient conduct of Telangana’s local body elections. A video conference was held with district election officers, collectors, senior police officials, additional collectors, and panchayat authorities to review election preparations, voter list objections, polling centers, reservation processes, and security arrangements to ensure smooth elections.
Accordingly, the government plans to complete panchayat polls in three phases, covering 12,733 panchayats and 1,12,288 wards. Based on the Dedicated Commission’s report, SC, ST, and BC reservations will not exceed 50% at the village and ward level. While past attempts to provide 42% BC reservation were blocked by courts, the government is now planning elections under the old system, allotting 24% reservation for BCs and ensuring the remaining 18% can also contest under the general quota. The final notification will clarify whether BCs accept this arrangement, with the government aiming to announce the election schedule by November 25–26.