HYDERABAD: The State Election Commission (SEC) on Monday announced the schedule for the second ordinary elections to rural local bodies in Telangana. However, a case in the high court, scheduled for hearing on October 8, has raised uncertainty, as the outcome could affect the conduct of polls.
Polling for gram panchayats will be conducted in three phases on October 31, November 4 and 8, with votes counted and results declared on the same day. Mandal and Zilla Parishad polls will be held in two phases on October 23 and 27, and counting will take place on November 11. Ballot boxes and papers will be used, with boxes being sourced from Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.
The state government recently issued GO Ms No. 9 providing 42% reservations for Backward Classes (BCs) in rural and urban local bodies. Based on this, the state government finalised the reservation roster for Mandal and Zilla Praja Parishads and gram panchayats through two GOs issued last week.
The GO on reservations has been challenged in the high court, and the verdict is expected to impact the election process.
Defections an open secret: Palla
“If they have any shame, they should resign. We have submitted media reports and evidence to prove their defection,” he said.
Palla Rajeshwar Reddy called the defections an “open secret”.
“All 10 MLAs have joined the Congress, which everyone knows. Eight of them have already submitted explanations to the Speaker. The Speaker initiated proceedings under Supreme Court directions. Their advocates tried to mislead with irrelevant questions, but we responded. Still, they claim they have not joined the Congress while enjoying power after switching parties,” he said.
Rajeshwar Reddy added that BRS advocates would cross-examine the legislators. “If they are confident, they should resign and win again, instead of clinging to power,” he said.