VIJAYAWADA: Political activity is intensifying in the villages across the State stirring up lobbying with the notification for the first phase of gram pnachayats to be given on November 13.
Elections will be held for 13,354 Gram Panchayats (Sarpanch posts) and 1,33,932 ward member posts, taking the total number of elected positions to 1,47,286.
The elections are expected to witness participation from a massive electorate of over 2.81 crore voters, including 1,38,53,807 men and 1,42,79,289 women. The first phase notification will be issued on November 13, with polling and counting scheduled for November 26.
The second phase notification will be released on November 16, followed by polling and counting on November 30. The third phase notification will be issued on November 19, with polling and counting scheduled for December 2. Though Gram Panchayat elections are not conducted on political party symbols, party affiliations and political support play a significant role in determining the outcome.
Unlike Assembly, parliamentary and urban local body elections, Gram panchayat polls provide greater opportunities for local aspirants to enter electoral politics.
However, village-level electoral equations are considerably different from those in urban areas.
Local influence, community equations, caste considerations, family backgrounds, pedigree and personal relationships often play decisive roles in determining the prospects of candidates.
The glamorous factor in panchayat elections is the substantial financial assistance being extended by the Central government for rural development through Finance Commission grants.
For Andhra Pradesh, the 16th Finance Commission has recommended a total allocation of Rs 16,627 crore for rural local bodies over five years, from 2026-27 to 2030-31.
The annual allocation begins at Rs 2,136 crore in 2026-27 and increases progressively to Rs 2,724 crore in 2027-28, Rs 3,521 crore in 2028-29, Rs 3,908 crore in 2029-30 and Rs 4,338 crore in 2030-31.
These grants are intended to support development works at the village level, including drinking water supply, sanitation, drainage, roads, solid waste management and other basic infrastructure.
Depending on their population, size of the panchayat, development requirements and eligibility, Gram Panchayats can access substantial funds and take up works worth several crores of rupees.
