Did Congress Capture Seven More Municipalities in Telangana?
Synopsis
In a significant political shift, the Congress party captured seven more municipalities in Telangana, reflecting its growing influence amidst chaos and opposition protests. The ongoing power struggle highlights the tensions between Congress and BRS, raising questions about governance and democratic practices in the state.
Key Takeaways
Congress captured seven municipalities, increasing its total to 91.
BRS took control of one municipality amidst electoral chaos.
Postponements occurred due to quorum issues and violence.
Draw of lots decided some election outcomes.
The elections were part of a larger political contest in Telangana.
Hyderabad, Feb 17 (NationPress) The ruling Congress party in Telangana gained control of seven additional municipalities on Tuesday, while the main opposition, the BRS, secured one urban local body. Elections for Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons in three municipalities were again postponed due to a lack of quorum and confrontations between Congress and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) supporters.
The elections scheduled for Monday faced delays due to various issues, including reported violence.
Disorder erupted once more in several municipalities, with the opposition accusing the ruling party of engaging in hooliganism and undemocratic tactics.
In the undivided Warangal district, clashes were reported in both Janagaon and Thorrur municipalities.
As elections in both urban bodies concluded in a tie, the victor was determined by a random draw, which favored the Congress.
The Congress successfully captured Yellandu, Sultanabad, Dornakal, and Zaheerabad municipalities, also taking Kagaznagar with support from the BJP.
The BRS obtained control of Inderesham municipality.
Despite a BRS candidate being elected Chairperson in Ibrahimpatnam municipality, the State Election Commission halted the process due to a stay ordered by the High Court.
Meetings in Ketanapally and Khanapur municipalities ended in disorder, resulting in another postponement of elections.
In the 16-member Thorrur municipality, the BRS secured nine seats while Congress claimed seven. With votes from Palakurthy MLA Yashaswini Reddy and Warangal MP Kadiyam Kaaviya (both ex officio members), Congress's strength increased to nine, leading to a draw of lots that elected Congress's Shravan as chairperson.
BRS leaders, including former minister E. Dayakar Rao, protested against Kaaviya's voting eligibility, claiming she should not have been allowed to vote.
Dayakar Rao expressed frustration after the BRS lost the election in the draw, accusing the ruling party of undermining democracy.
In the 30-member Jangaon, BRS claimed 13 wards, with two independents backing the party. With the support of ex officio member and BRS MLA Palla Rajeshwar Reddy, BRS's strength rose to 16. Congress won 12 wards, with its ally, CPI, winning one. Two independents also supported Congress. After another draw, Congress's Balamani was elected Chairperson, with an independent becoming Vice-Chairperson with BRS backing.
With the victories in seven municipalities, Congress's total has now reached 91.
On February 11, elections were conducted for 116 municipalities, with results announced on February 13.
The BRS gained control of 18 municipalities, while the BJP won one.
Independent candidates were elected as Chairpersons in three municipalities.
Even though Congress achieved a majority in 66 municipalities, its councillors were elected as Chairpersons and Deputy Chairpersons in another 25 municipalities with support from other parties and independents.
Out of the seven municipal corporations where elections were held, alongside the 116 municipalities, Congress secured both Mayor and Deputy Mayor positions in four municipal corporations: Mahabubnagar, Mancherial, Nalgonda, and Ramagundam.
A CPI candidate was voted Mayor of Kothagudem Municipal Corporation, with Congress winning the Deputy Mayor position. The two parties each claimed 22 seats in the 60-member corporation.
In Nizamabad Municipal Corporation, the Congress candidate was elected Mayor, while AIMIM received the Deputy Mayor post.
The BJP seized the Karimnagar Municipal Corporation with support from some independents.
Point of View
The Congress party's recent victories demonstrate the ongoing contest for power between major political factions. The chaotic electoral process raises concerns about democratic integrity, and it will be crucial to watch how these developments influence governance and political stability in the region moving forward.
NationPress
8 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What municipalities did Congress capture in Telangana?
Congress captured Yellandu, Sultanabad, Dornakal, Zaheerabad, and Kagaznagar municipalities, among others.
What led to the postponement of elections in some municipalities?
Elections were postponed due to a lack of quorum and violent clashes between Congress and BRS supporters.
How did the draw of lots affect the election outcomes?
In cases of ties, the winner was determined by a draw of lots, which favored the Congress party in some municipalities.
What was the total number of municipalities in Telangana elections?
Elections were held for 116 municipalities in Telangana.
What is the significance of these elections for Congress?
The victories boosted Congress's total to 91 municipalities, enhancing its influence in the state's political landscape.
