Second Phase of Gram Panchayat Polls Peaceful; 105-year-old Rasool Bhi Casts Vote

Adilabad: The second phase of gram panchayat elections concluded peacefully across the erstwhile Adilabad district on Sunday amid tight security arrangements.

In Nirmal district, polling was held for 414 sarpanch posts and 735 ward member posts across 121 gram panchayats. In Adilabad district, elections were conducted in 156 gram panchayats for 1,260 ward member posts across eight mandals. Mancherial district witnessed polling for 111 sarpanch posts and 873 ward member posts, while in Komaram Bheem Asifabad district, elections were held in 112 gram panchayats for 834 ward member posts across six mandals.

District election officials monitored polling at sensitive booths through webcasting across the erstwhile Adilabad district.

Adilabad district recorded a polling percentage of 86.68 per cent, with 1,14,802 votes cast out of a total electorate of 1,32,438. Komaram Bheem Asifabad district recorded 86.64 per cent polling, with 1,13,733 votes polled out of 1,31,278. Mancherial district registered 84.59 per cent turnout, with 1,16,205 votes cast out of 1,37,382. Nirmal district recorded 82.67 per cent polling, with 1,37,162 votes polled out of a total of 1,65,919.

In Mancherial district, Venkatswamy, a sarpanch candidate from Tandur, reportedly complained of chest pain during polling and was shifted to a hospital, where he was treated. Doctors said his condition was stable.

Officials said heavy police deployment was ensured at sensitive polling stations to prevent any untoward incidents. Collector Venkatesh Dhotre and SP Nitika Pant monitored the polling process from the control room in Komaram Bheem Asifabad district.

In a rare and inspiring gesture, 105-year-old Rasool Bhi of Gorregutta village cast her vote at the Ityala polling booth in Dahegaon mandal of Komaram Bheem Asifabad district.

She arrived at the polling station in a wheelchair with the assistance of her family members and surprised officials and voters alike by proudly displaying her inked finger after casting her vote. Her participation was hailed as a strong message on the importance of voting and democratic responsibility, especially for younger voters.

Gram Panchayat Elections | Phase 2

Polling percentage

Adilabad: 86.68%

Komaram Bheem Asifabad: 86.64%

Mancherial: 84.59%

Nirmal: 82.67%

Posts contested

Nirmal: 414 sarpanches | 735 ward members

Adilabad: 156 gram panchayats | 1,260 ward members

Mancherial: 111 sarpanches | 873 ward members

Komaram Bheem Asifabad: 112 gram panchayats | 834 ward members