Bond Paper Promises Mark Telangana Gram Panchayat Polls

Hyderabad: Sarpanch candidates are innovating campaigns by issuing formal assurances on legal bond papers to build voter trust, amid skepticism over unfulfilled verbal pledges. This trend spans multiple districts, with contestants pledging development works, transparency, and severe penalties like resignation or asset forfeiture for non-delivery.

Gomas Shyamalatha Srikant, contesting for sarpanch in Malagurijala in Mancherial’s Bellampalli mandal, distributed pamphlets outlining 20 promises, including waiving house tax if elected. She committed to fulfilling these within specified timelines or face accountability measures.

In Suryapet district's Tungaturthi mandal, a candidate issued bond paper promises focusing on local development. Jaipal Naik from the same district vowed that any asset increase beyond his current holdings post six months or after the election could be confiscated by the village.

In Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri's Turkapally mandal, Rustapuram sarpanch contender Kondapuram Srihari Kumar listed 15 commitments to complete within 2.5 years or resign.

Rajeshwari, from Chennur of Karimnagar district, signed a Rs.100 bond paper promising resignation and wearing a slipper around her neck if she failed to keep her promises. Jinkala Krishna from Dandu Malkapur in Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri too promised to allow seizure of excess property growth for redistribution.

Candidates like Nawab Sudarshan Goud in Pitlam, Kamareddy district's Jukkal constituency, and Budgie Sruthi in Mahbubabad's Appanapalli are also using bond papers for unique incentives such as cash rewards.

This shift to written, legally styled declarations signals a new era in grassroots politics, emphasising accountability over rhetoric as Phase 1 polls progress. The election campaign has concluded for the first phase and election is scheduled on Thursday.