Congress banks on independents, ex-officio votes after hung ULB verdicts

The hung verdict in 38 Urban Local Bodies across Telangana has triggered intense political manoeuvring, with the Congress relying on ex-officio members and independents to secure control of key municipalities.

Hyderabad: In the aftermath of a hung verdict in about 38 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), political equations are changing rapidly, leaving many guessing.

The ruling Congress party is relying on ex-officio members’ votes to capture as many Mayor and Chairperson posts as possible.

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With independents becoming crucial, the Congress is focusing on bringing them into its fold to secure control of several ULBs. There are also widespread reports of the Congress using muscle and money power to influence independents.

In Jangaon municipality, out of 30 wards, both the BRS and the Congress secured 13 wards each. Bhongir MP Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy and BRS MLA Palla Rajeshwar Reddy are ex-officio members in the municipality, keeping the party-wise strength equal.

With independents winning four wards, their support has become essential for both parties to capture the ULB. Both parties are claiming the support of independents, and the suspense will be cleared only after the special meeting scheduled on Monday to elect the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson.

In Mahabubabad municipality, of the 36 wards, the Congress won 13 wards and the BRS secured 11 wards. While the Congress is claiming the support of three CPM candidates and a couple of independents, the BRS is banking on three CPI candidates and one independent.

BRS MLC Tekkalapally Ravinder and Congress MLA Murali Naik are ex-officio members in the municipality. With this, the Congress is expected to secure control of the ULB based on its overall strength.

In Kothagudem Municipal Corporation, five independent candidates joined the Congress on Sunday in the presence of Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy. The Congress and CPI had secured 22 divisions each in the corporation, and with the independents joining the ruling party, the political equations have changed significantly, strengthening the Congress position.

Similarly, Irrigation Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy has been entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that the Congress captures the Nizamabad Municipal Corporation.

Likewise, SC ST Welfare Minister Adluri Laxman has been given the responsibility of overseeing efforts in Jagtial municipality, where former Minister T Jeevan Reddy is holding ground firmly amid political rivalry with BRS turncoat MLA Dr Sanjay.

Interestingly, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), despite having three MLCs and one Rajya Sabha MP, cannot effectively utilise their ex-officio votes, as they are enrolled as voters elsewhere.

MLCs Anji Reddy and Komaraiah, who were elected as Graduates and Teachers MLCs respectively from Karimnagar, are enrolled as voters in Hyderabad and cannot register as ex-officio members in their respective local bodies. Hyderabad-Rangareddy-Mahabubnagar Teachers MLC AVN Reddy is also registered as a voter in Hyderabad.

Similarly, BJP Rajya Sabha MP K Laxman was elected from Uttar Pradesh, limiting his eligibility for ex-officio voting in these civic bodies.