The Telangana State Election Commission (SEC) has officially released the election schedule notification for the second ordinary elections to Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituencies (MPTCs), Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituencies (ZPTCs), and Gram Panchayats across the state. Polling will be held in multiple phases, engaging millions of rural voters across Telangana.
Key Schedule Highlights
- Elections will be conducted across 31 districts in Telangana.
- A total of 5,749 MPTC seats, 565 ZPTC seats, and 12,733 Gram Panchayats (with 1,12,288 wards) are going to polls.
- MPTC / ZPTC elections will take place in two phases on October 23 and October 27, 2025.
- Gram Panchayat elections will be held in three phases:
• October 31 • November 4 • November 8
- Counting of votes: For Gram Panchayats, counting will happen on the same day as polling. For MPTC and ZPTC, counting will be held on November 11.
- The model code of conduct is now in effect across all relevant districts.
- The official election notification will be issued on October 9, 2025.
Context & Significance
- These local body elections are crucial for strengthening grassroots democracy in Telangana. MPTCs and ZPTCs are elected on a party basis, while Gram Panchayat elections are non party.
- Over 1.67 crore rural voters are eligible to vote in this election cycle. The SEC has coordinated with district administrations and government departments to ensure adequate polling staff, materials, and logistics are in place.
- One important issue before the elections is a case pending in the Telangana High Court regarding the state government’s decision to increase Backward Classes reservation to 42% in local bodies. The court is scheduled to hear the matter on October 8, ahead of the official notification, as the increase could potentially exceed the 50% ceiling set by the Supreme Court.
- In some regions, such as Mulugu district, elections for certain MPTC seats may be deferred due to court orders or administrative reasons.
What to Watch For
- Implementation of the model code of conduct in all districts.
- Handling of deferred constituencies and legal issues related to reservation.
- Political parties’ mobilization strategies in rural areas.
- Smooth conduct of polling, security arrangements, and voter turnout.
- Counting day logistics and declaration of results.
These elections will play a key role in shaping local governance across Telangana, influencing developmental priorities and grassroots leadership for the next term.
