Nearly two years into its term, the Congress government in Telangana is set to face its first major urban electoral test next month, with elections scheduled for seven municipal corporations and 116 municipalities across 32 districts on February 11.
According to State Election Commissioner Rani Kumudini, a total of 25.62 lakh male voters and 26.80 lakh female voters are expected to exercise their franchise. Counting of votes will be held on February 13, with results declared the same day. The elections will be conducted using ballot papers.
Polling will cover 2,996 wards, supported by 8,203 polling stations and 136 counting centres. Elections for corporation mayors, deputy mayors, municipal chairpersons and vice-chairpersons will be held on February 16.
The nomination process begins on January 28, with January 30 set as the last date for filing nominations. Scrutiny of nominations will be conducted on January 31. The deadline for withdrawal of candidature is February 3, and the final list of contesting candidates will be published the same day.
Elections for three other municipal corporations, including the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), and five municipalities will be held later, as their council terms are still in force.
Also read: Telangana municipal polls on Feb 11; results on Feb 13
The Election Commission has arranged 16,031 ballot boxes for the polls, along with 137 strong rooms and 136 counting centres.
Of the total wards, 463 seats have been reserved for Backward Classes (General) and 391 for Backward Classes (Women). Scheduled Castes have been allotted 254 seats (General) and 190 seats (Women). For Scheduled Tribes, 147 wards are reserved under the general category and 40 for women.
Meanwhile, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Mahesh Bhagwat said the model code of conduct has come into force across the State. Carrying cash exceeding ₹50,000 is prohibited unless supported by valid receipts.
A total of 1,926 areas have been identified as problematic, including over 300 classified as highly sensitive. Nirmal, Bhainsa, Bodhan, Nizamabad and several other locations have been identified as communally sensitive.
The ruling Congress and opposition parties Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and the BJP are gearing up for the electoral contest.
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