The first phase of Panchayat elections is progressing across Telangana, with voters turning out at polling stations and creating a lively atmosphere in villages. Officials reported that 19.58% polling had been recorded statewide by 9 a.m. Many voters who had migrated to cities and towns for work returned to their native villages to cast their ballots. Security arrangements have been strengthened, and polling is being monitored through webcasting to ensure smooth conduct.
Minor clashes were reported in some areas. In Urumadla village, Chityal mandal, Nalgonda district, a verbal confrontation occurred between Congress and BRS leaders, involving former MLA Kancherl Bhupal Reddy and Dairy Corporation Chairman Gutta Amit Reddy. Police intervened to disperse the groups. In Korlapahad, Kethepalli mandal, stone and knife attacks between rival groups left four people injured, who were admitted to hospital. A heavy police presence was deployed in the affected villages.
Polling was temporarily halted in Kuppagandla ward, Veldanda mandal, Nagarkurnool district, after the ballot paper failed to display the symbol for ward candidate Derangula Yadamma. Authorities brought new ballot papers after 30 minutes, and voting resumed.
Voters in Ranga Reddy district’s Palamakula polling centre faced difficulties due to the absence of wheelchairs, forcing family members to carry senior citizens and differently-abled individuals to cast their votes. In Suryapet district’s Miriya polling station, Head Constable Yadagiri, overseeing polling duties, suffered a heart attack. Police administered CPR and provided first aid before transferring him to a hospital in Suryapet.