Ruling Congress extended its stronghold in Telangana’s municipal elections Tuesday, capturing seven more local bodies while BRS salvaged one win amid controversy and delays. Three towns postponed leadership elections over quorum issues and worker clashes, following Monday’s violent interruptions. Opposition leaders accused Congress of muscle-flexing and anti-democratic maneuvers, intensifying the political rhetoric.
Warangal’s Jangaon and Thorur saw ties resolved by lotteries tilting towards Congress. Decisive triumphs followed in Yellandu, Sultanabad, Dornakal, Zahirabad, and BJP-aided Kágaznagar. BRS countered with Indresham.
High Court stayed Ibrahimpatnam’s BRS chairperson poll, halting the commission’s process. Thorur’s council: BRS 9, Congress 7 originally; ex-officio MLA and MP votes tied it 9-9. Lottery selected Congress’s Shravana; BRS, under E. Dayakar Rao, cried foul on democracy.
In larger Jangaon (30 seats), BRS amassed 16 via 13 wards, 2 independents, MLA vote. Congress mirrored with 12 wards, CPI seat, 2 independents, MP vote. Balamani won chairperson by draw; BRS independent vice.
Total: Congress at 91/116 municipalities from Feb 11 voting, Feb 13 results. 66 clear majorities, 25 via pacts. BRS 18, BJP 1, independents 3. Corporations: Congress full control in four; CPI-Congress split Kothagudem; Congress-AIMIM Nizamabad; BJP Karimnagar.
As dust settles, Congress’s local body dominance appears unassailable, bolstering its position in Telangana’s political arena with implications for state-wide governance.