Hyderabad: The first phase of Telangana panchayat polls began at 7 a.m. on Thursday, and several districts reported tension as rival groups clashed over local political disputes. Polling continued, but villages saw scattered violence linked to sarpanch contests and long-standing rivalries.
Tension spiked in Narayanpet district. In Sarjakhanpet of Kosgi mandal, two rival groups exchanged blows after accusing each other of distributing cash and liquor to influence voters. Police reached the spot and dispersed the groups. Officers restored order and allowed polling to continue.
Clashes reported across Telangana panchayat polls
A separate incident occurred in the Khammam district. In Kondavanamala of Konijerla mandal, unidentified persons set fire to the house of a man named Venkateshwarlu around midnight. Residents noticed the flames and put them out, preventing injuries. Venkateshwarlu alleged that political rivalry led to the attack.
Fresh tension surfaced in Nalgonda district as well. In Korlapahad of Ketepalli mandal, BRS and Congress workers pushed and attacked each other during the polling process. Several people suffered injuries in the clash. Police arrived soon after and brought the situation under control. Election officials later deployed additional forces in the village to prevent further disturbances.