Local body polls in Telangana delayed again, unlikely before April end

The much-awaited local body elections in Telangana are set to be delayed further, with the State government deciding to conduct another round of the caste census survey before finalising reservations for Backward Classes (BCs). As a result, the polls are unlikely to be held before the end of April

Hyderabad: The much-awaited local body elections in Telangana are set to be delayed further, with the State government deciding to conduct another round of the caste census survey before finalising reservations for Backward Classes (BCs). As a result, the polls are unlikely to be held before the end of April.

The tenure of several local bodies, including Gram Panchayats (expired in December 2023) and MPTC/ZPTC bodies (expired in May 2023), has already lapsed. Initially, the Congress government seemed eager to conduct the elections, with Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy even hinting at an announcement before February 15. However, political compulsions have seemingly pushed the decision further.

---

On Wednesday, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka confirmed that the local body polls would take place only after finalising the 42 per cent BC reservations through legislation in the Assembly during the upcoming Budget session. This requires the completion of a fresh round of the survey by the end of February, followed by the enactment of legislation in the State Assembly during the budget session in March.

The delay also follows mounting public dissatisfaction over the Congress government’s failure to release funds for pending civic projects. Basic amenities such as streetlights, water supply, drainage, and roads have been neglected, triggering widespread resentment during recent Grama Sabhas. Congress leaders on the ground reportedly cautioned the State leadership that conditions were unfavourable for the party due to a lack of visible development in the last 14 months.

Additionally, the Congress faces internal strife between party MLAs and defectors from the BRS, adding to the government’s reluctance to go ahead with the elections.

Apart from political considerations, academic schedules are also a factor in the delay. With Intermediate exams (March 3–25) and SSC board exams (March 21–April 4), officials have pointed out that key election staff – teachers and junior lecturers – will be unavailable.

Despite repeated assurances, the Congress government has been postponing local body elections for over a year, citing various reasons. While no official date has been declared, it is now clear that polls will not happen before April-end, further prolonging the uncertainty surrounding grassroots governance in Telangana.