Hyderabad, Feb 10 (NationPress) A candidate representing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Telangana municipal elections has reportedly taken his own life.

The tragic event took place in the Maktal Municipality of Narayanpet district late on Monday night.

Erukali Mahadevappa, who had submitted his nomination for ward number 6 in the Maktal municipality, was discovered hanging at his home.

Family members of Mahadevappa claimed that he faced intimidation from his rivals since he announced his candidacy.

The police have taken the body for a post-mortem examination, with a police official confirming that a case has been filed and an investigation is underway.

Voting for the elections, covering 116 municipalities and seven corporations across Telangana, is set for Wednesday.

The campaigning for these municipal polls concluded on Monday. On the last day, Mahadevappa was actively participating in the campaign alongside BJP MP DK Aruna before the tragic incident occurred.

His family alleged that there was continuous pressure on Mahadevappa to withdraw from the electoral race, claiming that he succumbed to threats from certain individuals.

In response to this incident, the BJP has accused the ruling Congress party of being responsible for the candidate's suicide and is planning a protest in Hyderabad.

Police presence has been heightened at the BJP state office as the party is reportedly organizing a march to the DGP office to demand a thorough investigation.

The Telangana BJP has held the Congress party accountable for Mahadevappa's death.

“Rahul Gandhi, CM Revant Reddy, and the Congress party bear responsibility for the tragic demise of Erukala Mahadevappa, a candidate from a humble Scheduled Tribe family who stood for democracy. His death has deeply affected the conscience of Telangana. Allegations of ongoing threats and intimidation from Congress affiliates highlight a perilous environment where grassroots democracy is under threat. When a young tribal voice is pushed to the brink of despair, it is a tragedy that stains our democratic fabric,” stated the Telangana BJP in a post on ‘X’.

“While in Delhi, Rahul Gandhi speaks passionately about 'saving democracy', in Telangana, his party is accused of suppressing democracy openly—silencing dissent not through discourse but through fear and intimidation. Democracy is not just a slogan for the cameras; it is the bravery of ordinary citizens like Mahadevappa who step forward to serve their communities despite the looming threats,” they added.

“Our State President is heading to Maktal to support the grieving family. This struggle transcends one ward or election; it is about the very essence of democracy, the dignity of tribal leaders, and the inherent right of every citizen to contest and voice their opinions without fear,” the BJP concluded.