Preparations in full swing for local body elections amid BC reservation uncertainty

As Telangana awaits a resolution on the 42% Backward Classes reservation issue, the State Election Commission has proactively begun preparations for the local body elections. With over 1.3 lakh ballot boxes secured and voter lists mapped, officials are waiting for a nod from the poll body.

Hyderabad: Even as the 42 per cent Backward Classes (BC) reservation issue remains unresolved and the Congress government is reconsidering its decision to hold the elections itself in Telangana, the State Election Commission (SEC) has begun preparations for the upcoming local body polls. From ballot boxes to voter lists, officials are ensuring that all arrangements are in place so that elections can be conducted smoothly once the green signal is given.

The State has now prepared a total of 1,31,883 ballot boxes, including 74,903 already available, 37,530 procured from Gujarat and another 19,450 from Maharashtra. With 1,12,534 gram panchayat wards across Telangana, the SEC has ensured a buffer of nearly 20,000 additional boxes. The boxes are being stored in strong rooms at district headquarters under tight security, with distribution to all 31 districts expected within the next few days.

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Election arrangements are proceeding on multiple fronts. Officials have completed the voter list mapping based on the latest rolls approved by the Election Commission of India. This mapping has been carried out at the mandal level, ward by ward, and will form the basis for preparing lists for MPTC and ZPTC seats.

Election material has already reached mandal headquarters. The SEC has finalised polling stations, reception centres and counting centres, while also drawing up detailed plans for staffing and logistics. The Director of Panchayat Raj has instructed district officials to collect indelible ink bottles from the Printing and Stationery department in Hyderabad by August 18.

Polling is expected to be conducted in two phases for gram panchayat elections. In 2019, the elections were held in three phases to avoid any undue influence on results in the absence of party symbols. This time, however, the SEC is planning to conduct it in two phases, and officials are working out the modalities. Ballot papers, including both pink and white, for these polls have already been disbursed, ensuring no last-minute delays.

Until the reservation issue is resolved, the announcement of election dates may remain in limbo. In the meantime, officials are quietly ticking off one task after another, ensuring that when the nod finally comes, the State machinery will be ready to roll.