The swearing-in of newly elected Sarpanches across Telangana has been rescheduled from December 20 to December 22 after public representatives cited the absence of an auspicious muhurat. Officials noted that December 20 coincides with the new moon day, leading to the change.
Tourism Minister Jupally Krishna Rao has condemned reports of forced unanimous elections and auctions for Sarpanch posts in Telangana villages, calling them undemocratic. He stressed that aspirants must seek the people’s mandate through proper elections.