Hyderabad, July 22, 2025 –
The Telangana State Election Commission has ramped up preparations for the upcoming MPTC (Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency) and ZPTC (Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency) elections. With the process gaining pace, officials have now finalized the colors of the ballot papers to be used in the polls.
Ballot Paper Colors Confirmed
According to official instructions:
- Pink ballot papers will be used for MPTC elections.
- White ballot papers will be used for ZPTC elections.
District officials have already received guidelines. Election teams are inspecting all polling materials like ballot boxes, papers, and stationery to ensure readiness.
Polling Staff Based on Voter Count
Each polling station will have staff based on the number of registered voters:
- For up to *400 voters, one *Presiding Officer and four Polling Officers will be appointed.
- For *401 to 600 voters, one Presiding Officer and *five Polling Officers will be deployed.
Voters will mark their choice using an *arrow cross-mark rubber stamp. Before casting their vote, ink will be applied to the *left index finger to prevent duplicate voting.
Separate Voting Process for MPTC and ZPTC
Voters will first be handed the *MPTC ballot paper. Only after casting that vote will they receive the **ZPTC ballot paper. Both papers will *not be given simultaneously. Voters must mark their choices privately—openly displaying votes is not permitted.
Each ballot paper will carry:
- A Presiding Officer’s signature on the back.
- A unique identifier symbol within a circle.
- The Mandal Parishad code on top and the Polling Station Number approved by the District Election Officer at the bottom.
Returning Officer Appointment Guidelines
For every *three or fewer MPTCs, a *gazetted officer will be designated as Returning Officer (RO) based on district requirements. A separate RO will be appointed for the ZPTC seat. All MPTC ROs will act as Assistant Returning Officers to the ZPTC RO.
As per *Section 243(3) of the Telangana Panchayat Raj Act, 2018, *a candidate is not allowed to contest from more than one territorial constituency, whether MPTC or ZPTC.
Candidates Must Open a Dedicated Bank Account
Before filing a nomination, each candidate must:
- Open a separate bank account to handle election expenses.
- Submit the account number in writing to the Returning Officer during nomination.
All election-related expenses—whether from personal funds or donations—must be routed through this account only.
Eligibility Rules for Contesting
To contest for MPTC, ZPTC, Sarpanch, or Ward Member seats, a candidate must:
- Be at least 21 years old.
People *holding government positions, **employees of local bodies, or working in *government-aided institutions are ineligible to contest. Members or employees of statutory bodies formed under State or Central law are also barred.
In a significant amendment, the two-child rule has been *relaxed. Candidates *with more than two children are now allowed to contest in these elections.
NOTA Option Now Available
This time, voters will also find the NOTA (None of the Above) option on the ballot paper. This addition empowers voters to reject all candidates if they choose.
Key points:
- Telangana Local Body Elections 2025
- MPTC and ZPTC election ballot paper colors
- Election nomination guidelines in Telangana
- NOTA option in Panchayat Raj elections
- Eligibility rules for MPTC/ZPTC candidates
- Telangana State Election Commission update