Independents hold key to power in Asifabad municipality as no party secures majority

Independent councillors emerged decisive in the newly formed Asifabad municipality after neither the BRS nor the Congress secured a majority. The BRS led with nine wards, Congress followed with seven, while four Independent wins triggered post-poll political tension.

Kumram Bheem Asifabad: Independent candidates have emerged pivotal in the newly formed Asifabad municipality, with no single party securing a majority of wards.

The BRS led the tally with nine wards, while the ruling Congress stood second with seven. Neither party could secure the numbers required to claim the posts of chairperson and deputy chairperson in the 22-member municipal council. Independent candidates bagged four wards, placing them in a decisive position.

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The winning councillors from the BRS are Akash Mengre (Ward 3), Thanuku Bhargavi (Ward 7), Salman Baig (Ward 9), MD Ahmed (Ward 17), Gubude Nagubai (Ward 19), Kursenga Balakrishna (Ward 4), Chiluveru Venkateshwar (Ward 6), Dudala Laxmi (Ward 16) and Zeba Sheikh (Ward 20). The Independents who emerged victorious are Vinod Kumar Jadi (Ward 1), Vairagade Givond (Ward 2), Kamre Bagya Laxmi (Ward 10) and Kasthuri Pushpalatha (Ward 18).

Meanwhile, tension prevailed for some time when BRS cadres thwarted an attempt by Congress leaders to allegedly abduct an Independent candidate. The cadres prevented Congress leaders from taking away Vinod Kumar Jadi, who won from Ward 1 against the BRS nominee by a margin of 78 votes, in an auto rickshaw. The two groups exchanged heated arguments, resulting in tension. Vinod managed to escape from the Congress leaders.