Telangana gears up for the first phase of local body elections as nominations open from October 9. The second phase will follow from October 13, with counting on November 11.

Hyderabad: Telangana’s rural political landscape is set to heat up as the nomination process for the first phase of local body elections begins on October 9. According to the official gazette notification, candidates can submit their nominations for Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituencies (ZPTCs) and Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituencies (MPTCs) between 10:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. until October 11.

Scrutiny of papers will take place on October 12, with the list of eligible candidates released later that evening. Appeals against rejections must be filed by October 13, and withdrawals will be accepted until 3:00 p.m. on October 15 — when the final list will also be published.

Polling for the first phase will be held on October 23 from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., while counting and results are scheduled for November 11. Re-polls, if necessary, will be announced later by the State Election Commission.

For the second phase, the nomination process will begin on October 13, with submissions accepted till October 15 and scrutiny the next day. Candidates can withdraw till October 19, and polling will take place on October 27.

Voter lists for 292 ZPTCs and 2,963 MPTCs have been displayed at returning officers’ offices for public reference.

Analysts say these local polls are not just about rural governance but also a test of political ground strength for major parties ahead of larger electoral battles. Citizens, especially in rural belts, are being urged to verify their names on the voter lists to ensure full participation in the democratic process.