With ₹3,000 Cr FC grant at stake, Telangana to hold Gram Panchayat elections in Dec

Hyderabad: Telangana Cabinet has decided to hold Gram Panchayat elections in December, prioritising the timely utilisation of the Rs 3,000-crore Finance Commission grant that will lapse if polls are not completed before March 31, 2026.

Focus on protecting Rs 3,000-Crore Grant

After the Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Revenue Minister, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy said the Gram Panchayat elections would be held soon after the Praja Palana celebrations scheduled from December 1 to 9.

He noted that the Finance Commission’s term ends in March 2026, and delaying the elections further could jeopardise crucial grants meant for village-level development.

Reservations dispute halts MPTC, ZPTC, Municipal Polls

The Cabinet deferred elections for Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituencies (MPTCs), Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituencies (ZPTCs), and municipal corporations.

These polls will be conducted only after the High Court delivers its final judgment on the validity of 42% reservations for Backward Classes (BCs).

While the High Court has capped total reservations at 50%, the minister said the government remains committed to ensuring BC political representation through 42% allocation in party tickets for Gram Panchayat polls.

Fresh report sought from BC Commission

The government has sought a detailed report from the dedicated BC Commission on the reservation pattern for Gram Panchayat sarpanch and ward member posts.

Earlier, the Commission had submitted a list based on a 42% BC reservation, following which the preparatory process for local body elections had begun, until it was suspended due to legal challenges.

Future of Local Body polls hinges on Court Ruling

Minister Srinivas Reddy said the Cabinet will take a final call on conducting MPTC and ZPTC elections after the High Court pronounces its order on the reservation issue. “We will proceed only after the legal position becomes clear,” he said.

Cabinet pays tribute to Poet Andesri

The Cabinet also condoled the passing of renowned poet Andesri, author of Telangana’s state song ‘Jaya Jayahe Telangana’.

A memorial will be built in his honour, and the state song will be included in school textbooks. The government also approved an assistant professor post for the poet’s son.