TRS backed candidates leading in T'gana panchayat polls

Polling in the first phase of Panchayat elections in Telangana concluded peacefully on Monday. Candidates supported by the ruling Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) are leading in the majority of panchayats.

In all 4,479 panchayats went for polls on Monday, out of which members of 769 panchayats were declared elected unanimously. Out of the 39,822 wards, members of 10,654 wards were also declared elected unanimously.

The polling began at 7 am and went up to 1 pm under strict police vigil. In all 20,000 police personnel were deployed. The counting started immediately and the results of Ward members were declared first, followed by Sarpanches.

According to reports from districts, TRS supported candidates were leading in 1,874, Congress candidates in 537, TDP in 18, BJP in 43, CPI in 10, CPI(M) in 24 and others in 469. The election of Upa Sarpanches will take place after all the results are announced. The next two phases will be held on January 25 and 30 respectively. 
Poll boycott

While the poll was peaceful, only few villages under the Naxal prone Eturunagaram area of Jayasankar Bhupalpally district boycotted. Ekkala, Butaram and Chintalapadu villagers refused to vote despite counselling by the police. The villagers are unhappy with the lack of development and the free flow of liquor and cash in the panchayat elections.