Panchayats located along highways listed under open category in Sangareddy

In Sangareddy, most gram panchayats along NH-65, NH-161 and other major roads have been placed under the open category in the upcoming elections, limiting opportunities for backward classes. These panchayats, known for real estate ventures, industries and illegal sand mining, are seen as lucrative hubs for local leaders.

Sangareddy: In what many describe as either a coincidence or the result of influence by leaders in key positions, most of the gram panchayats located along NH-65, NH-161 and other major roads in the Sangareddy Assembly constituency have been listed under the open category in the gram panchayat elections, denying backward classes a chance to contest.

These panchayats are known for high commercial activity, including real estate ventures, industries and illegal sand filtering, which generate significant revenue for local leaders.

---

Cheriyal, Kavlampet, Kandi, Girmapur, Peddapur, Nandikandi, Nagsanpally, Aroor and Konapur, all situated along NH-65, have been placed in the open category, with only Malkapur reserved for SCs. Mamidipally, Gudi Thanda and Fasalwadi, located along NH-161, have also been listed in the open category.

Meanwhile, Kashipur and Julkal, along the Bengaluru bypass, were categorised as open, while Yeddumailaram, which was won by a Congress OC candidate in the previous election, has now been reserved for SC women.

Ismailkhanpet, located along the Narsapur road, has also been placed in the open category, while Hanuman Nagar, a Lambadi thanda, has been reserved for ST general.

Ismailkhanpet is known for illegal sand mining, while many of the other villages have become hubs for real estate activity and industrial operations. Several OC leaders close to former Congress MLA T Jagga Reddy are contesting for sarpanch posts in these panchayats.

Contestants are expected to spend substantial amounts to influence voters, and even ward member aspirants in these villages reportedly need to invest heavily to secure victory.