HYDERABAD: Panchayat polls throw up unusual contests, chaos
HYDERABAD: The gram panchayat elections on Thursday reported several unusual incidents across Telangana, including a daughter defeating her mother, a voter swallowing ballot papers, and a tie settled through a lucky draw.
At Thimmaipally in Korutla mandal of Jagtial district, Congress-backed candidate Sumalatha defeated her mother Shivarathri Gangavva, supported by the Bharat Rashtra Samithi, by 91 votes. The seat is reserved for Backward Class women. Sources said the two had been at odds over local issues.
At Gokul Chinna Thanda in Ramareddy mandal of Kamareddy district, residents boycotted polling, demanding gram panchayat status for their 90-house habitation. They alleged that previous sarpanches elected from neighbouring Gokul Pedda Thanda had ignored their village. Residents said they would, however, vote in the upcoming mandal and zilla parishad territorial constituency elections.
Voter chews ballot paper
Polling officials in Venkatapur of Korutla mandal in Jagtial district detained Venkataiah, 72, after he allegedly chewed and swallowed the white ballot paper meant for electing ward members while under the influence of alcohol. Officials stopped him as he attempted to leave while chewing the pink slip issued for the sarpanch election. He was later handed over to the police.
Lottery used to break tie
In Ambedkarnagar 1st ward of Wardhannapet mandal in Warangal district, Congress-backed Gokala Rupa and rebel candidate Rajini secured 31 votes each out of 101. Rupa was declared elected after a lottery draw by officials.
Husband–wife duo elected
In Lingoli Thanda of Utnoor mandal in Adilabad district, a husband and wife were elected sarpanch and upa sarpanch, respectively.
Recount changes result
At Damaravanch in Gudur mandal of Mahabubabad district, a recount overturned the initial result. BRS backed Swathi was first declared winner by three votes, but Congress-supported Sujatha emerged victorious by one vote after rechecking.
Candidates touch voters’ feet
In Amanagal of Mahabubabad district, candidates were seen bowing down and touching voters’ feet while pleading for support. A scuffle also broke out between Congress and BRS workers at one polling station.
