The first phase of the Telangana Gram Sarpanch elections concluded peacefully, with winners for both Sarpanch and Deputy Sarpanch positions already declared. The second phase is scheduled for Sunday, covering 4,332 panchayats across the state. Campaigning came to a halt on Friday, providing a brief respite from the loud political rallies and speeches that had dominated villages over the past weeks. Candidates who had actively campaigned now appear to be adopting quieter strategies ahead of polling.
With polling just hours away, candidates have reportedly intensified efforts to attract voters through cash incentives and liquor distribution across wards and colonies. Nighttime political gatherings and feasts have increased, with rival candidates competing to outdo each other in offering inducements. Meanwhile, election officials have completed all arrangements for the second phase, with polling materials—including ballot boxes, ballot papers, and other essential items—scheduled for distribution to staff at designated centres on Saturday for transport to polling stations by evening.
Of the 4,332 panchayats going to polls, five did not receive any nominations, while 415 Sarpanch posts were uncontested. This leaves 13,128 candidates contesting 3,906 Sarpanch positions. For ward-level elections, nominations were not filed in 107 wards, while 8,304 ward members were elected unopposed. The remaining 29,903 wards will see competition among 78,158 candidates.
Candidates are also reaching out to residents who have migrated to Hyderabad and other areas, urging them to return to their villages to cast their votes. Some are providing bus travel reimbursements, online incentives, and even arranging special vehicles to transport migrant voters to their polling stations. The first phase had already shown the influence of migrant voters, prompting second-phase candidates to actively plan for their participation.