Telangana set for high-stakes municipal polls as urban verdict awaits

Telangana goes to polls on Wednesday for 2,996 wards across 123 urban local bodies amid tight security. With Congress and BRS locked in a keen contest, the results will decide control of key municipal corporations and municipalities.

Hyderabad: Telangana is set for high-stakes municipal polls, with polling scheduled on Wednesday for 2,996 wards across 123 urban local bodies, including seven municipal corporations and 116 municipalities. While multiple political parties and independents are in the arena, the main fight remains between the ruling Congress and the principal opposition BRS.

A total of 12,930 candidates are in the fray, including nominees of the ruling Congress, the opposition BRS and the BJP, besides a large number of independents. As many as 52.43 lakh voters are eligible to cast their ballots, with women voters outnumbering men.

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The State Election Commission (SEC) has made elaborate arrangements to ensure smooth polling. As many as 8,203 polling stations have been set up, with election materials already dispatched. Police have deployed heavy security, including continuous surveillance through nearly 11,000 cameras, with additional forces stationed in sensitive pockets to prevent any untoward incidents.

Campaigning ended on Monday evening, with candidates and party workers shifting focus to door-to-door outreach. However, election officials are on high alert following reports of large-scale distribution of cash, gifts and liquor. The SEC has reiterated its zero-tolerance approach to violations of the model code of conduct.

State Election Commissioner Rani Kumudini reviewed last-minute arrangements through video conferences with district collectors and police commissioners and superintendents, focusing on staffing, training, webcasting and security. Additional DGP Mahesh Bhagwat also took part in the review.

Polling will conclude on Wednesday, with counting scheduled for February 13. Results will be declared the same day, determining which party secures control of key urban local bodies. Newly elected ward members and corporators will be sworn in on February 16, followed by special meetings to elect chairpersons, vice-chairpersons, mayors and deputy mayors through a show-of-hands method. While Section 144 is in force around polling stations, liquor shops will remain shut till Wednesday evening.