Warangal GP Polls See Twists, Clashes and Travel Chaos
In Arepally Thanda of Elkathurthy mandal, Hanamkonda district, counting was tense but concluded without a tie, with P. Sravanthi winning the Sarpanch post by a narrow margin of four votes.
Warangal: The first phase of the Gram Panchayat elections in the erstwhile Warangal districts ended on Thursday with high drama, featuring a recount reversal, a tie decided by lottery, tense counting scenes and widespread transport disruptions.
The most dramatic twist unfolded in Damaravanch village of Gudur mandal, Mahabubabad district, where the Sarpanch result was overturned during a recount. The BRS-backed candidate Swathi was initially declared elected by three votes. However, after a recount, the Congress-backed candidate Sujatha emerged victorious by a margin of just one vote, turning the result into the day’s biggest talking point.
A rare tie forced officials to decide the winner by lottery at Ambedkar Nagar 1st Ward in Wardhannapet mandal, Warangal district. Congress candidate Rupa and Congress rebel candidate Rajini both secured 31 votes each. A draw of lots favoured the official Congress nominee, Gokala Rupa.
In Arepally Thanda of Elkathurthy mandal, Hanamkonda district, counting was tense but concluded without a tie, with P. Sravanthi winning the Sarpanch post by a narrow margin of four votes.
There were dramatic scenes at several polling centres. At Amanagal in Mahabubabad district, videos went viral showing candidates touching the feet of voters in desperate appeals for support.
A brief clash broke out between Congress and BRS workers at a polling station in Eturnagaram, Mulugu district. Police intervened swiftly, enforced Section 144 and restored order to ensure polling continued uninterrupted.
Meanwhile, severe RTC bus shortages caused major inconvenience across the united Warangal region. Voters, polling staff and employees were left stranded for hours, forcing many to find alternative transport and drawing criticism over election-day planning.
