The first phase of the Telangana Gram Panchayat Elections 2025 began on Thursday, December 11, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. More than 5.6 lakh voters are taking part in this crucial local poll. A total of 12,960 candidates are contesting for 3,834 Sarpanch posts. Meanwhile, 65,455 candidates are fighting for 27,628 Ward Member seats in this phase. Voting will end at 1 p.m., and counting will start at 2 p.m. In this phase, elections are held in 3,836 Gram Panchayats and 27,960 wards. Earlier, 395 Sarpanchs and 9,331 Ward Members were elected unanimously, so polling is not required for those seats. The election process is being closely watched by District Collectors and General Observers using webcasting at 3,461 polling stations. Voter turnout looks encouraging, with 56,19,430 registered voters – 27,41,070 male and 28,78,159 female. Scenes at polling stations show steady queues and even heartwarming moments, such as a policewoman holding a newborn while her family cast their votes in Sangareddy. Officials are working to ensure a smooth and transparent election process in this vital step for grassroots democracy in Telangana.