Two Winning Certificates For 1 Sarpanch Seat in Mahbubabad Sparks Row

Warangal: Severe administrative negligence triggered a major standoff after two different candidates were issued winning certificates for the same sarpanch post, leading to tense scenes during the swearing-in ceremony under heavy police security in Damaravanch village of Guduru mandal in Mahbubabad district on Monday.

The controversy arose during the counting of votes for the Damaravanch gram panchayat. Initially, election officials declared N. Swathi, backed by the BRS, the winner by a margin of three votes and issued her a winning certificate. Her supporters immediately began celebrations.

However, about 30 minutes later, following a demand for a recount, officials declared S. Sujatha, supported by the Congress, the winner by a single vote and issued her another winning certificate, cancelling the earlier declaration. Swathi, however, refused to accept the revised result and did not return the certificate issued to her.

Both candidates invited their families and supporters to the swearing-in ceremony, resulting in heightened tension at the venue. Officials were caught off guard by the situation, which stemmed from their own procedural lapse. Senior authorities later denied issuing two valid certificates, stating that Sujatha was the officially recognised winner after the recount.

Amid tight police security to prevent clashes between rival groups, Sujatha eventually took oath as the sarpanch.

The incident has sparked widespread criticism, with villagers demanding strict action against officials responsible for the blunder. Locals said the episode raised serious questions about transparency and accountability in the election process and had the potential to disrupt peace and undermine confidence in grassroots democracy.