The recent panchayat elections in Telangana did more than just elect local leaders. They acted as a mirror, reflecting the true character of candidates and communities, revealing stories of remarkable sportsmanship, rare integrity, and, in some cases, bitter retaliation.
Grace in Defeat: Examples of Sportsmanship and Integrity
In Kandunurupalle village of Sultanabad mandal in Peddapalli district, the post-poll atmosphere was one of warmth and respect. Defeated candidate Ponnala Shalaja, along with her husband Satish, chose to visit the home of the newly elected sarpanch, Choppari Shailaja, and her husband Anjaiah, to personally congratulate them. This act of gracious acceptance was widely praised by villagers, setting a commendable precedent for democratic conduct.
Integrity took center stage in Donthi village of Shivampet mandal in Siddipet district. Candidate Susheela Babu, despite losing the sarpanch election, decided to honor a campaign promise made to the residents of Chitala basti regarding their drinking water problem. True to her word, on December 20, she used her own funds to get a borewell sunk in the locality, demonstrating that commitment to the electorate can transcend personal victory or defeat.
Demanding Accountability and Souring Relations
Elsewhere, the election results led to immediate demands for accountability. In Mailarugudem village of Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, voters held the winner to his pre-poll pledge. Mareddy Kondal Reddy, who was elected unanimously, had reportedly promised a donation of 50 lakh rupees for village development if no one contested against him. After his unopposed win, villagers immediately pressed him to fulfill this promise. Facing resistance when he sought time, Kondal Reddy later proposed a compromise, stating that fund utilization would be discussed with community elders before the amount was released.
Bitter Aftertaste: Acts of Retribution Post-Defeat
Not all reactions to the electoral verdict were positive. In Somla thanda of Mahbubnagar district, where defeated sarpanch candidate B Kausalya lost by a narrow margin of 17 votes, the aftermath turned ugly. Her husband and son allegedly conducted a door-to-door interrogation of voters, forcing some to swear before their deity about their vote. Those who gave unclear answers were reportedly asked to return 1,500 rupees they were allegedly given to vote for Kausalya, though no money was ultimately returned.
A more direct act of suspected retaliation occurred in Gollapalli village of Sultanabad mandal in Peddapalli district. An elected ward member, believing two families did not vote for him, allegedly targeted them by having granite stones placed on the road near their houses, effectively cutting off their access. The affected families viewed this as a deliberate act of vendetta for their voting choice.
These incidents from across Telangana underscore that elections are not merely administrative events but profound social exercises. They test the democratic spirit of candidates and citizens alike, revealing a complex tapestry of character where promises, integrity, and sometimes vengeance, collide in the quest for local governance.
