Municipal polls schedule triggers row over timing, fairness in Telangana
HYDERABAD: A controversy has erupted over the Telangana State Election Commission’s (SEC) notification announcing an unusually compressed schedule for municipal elections, with critics alleging that the timetable undermines free and fair electoral participation.
In a statement, Dr Sravan Kumar Dasoju said the schedule allows just one day for voter-roll verification, two days for filing nominations and barely a week for campaigning, calling it inadequate for meaningful democratic engagement. “Elections are not clerical exercises to be rushed through, but the foundation of representative self-government,” he said.
For the first time, the SEC has announced the schedule and issued the election notification without providing any gap, a move that has also drawn criticism. Objections have further intensified over the poll dates coinciding with the Medaram Sammakka-Sarakka Jathara, described as the world’s largest tribal congregation, which draws lakhs of devotees from across Telangana for several days.
The statement alleged that the SEC ignored the festival’s significance and public sentiment, arguing that the timing would severely affect voter participation. It claimed there was no constitutional emergency, civic breakdown or public interest justification warranting such haste.
Dr Dasoju said the compressed schedule would disproportionately disadvantage opposition parties, independents, women and first-time candidates, while favouring the ruling party with established organisational networks. “Even in a small ward, effective outreach and engagement require time. Curtailing this reduces elections to contests of money and muscle,” he said.
Citing Article 243ZA of the Constitution, which mandates the SEC to ensure free and fair elections, the statement urged the commission to immediately review the programme. It also appealed to the Governor to intervene as the constitutional guardian of democratic institutions.
The criticism included allegations that the SEC’s actions have created a public perception of diminished autonomy, with claims of proximity to the state government led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. The SEC has not yet responded to the allegations.
