Metro India News | Hyderabad 

The Local Body MLC elections in Hyderabad saw a significant voter turnout of 78.57%, as polling concluded smoothly on Wednesday. The election, held at the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) headquarters, witnessed participation from 88 out of 112 eligible voters.

According to Returning Officer Anurag Jayanti, the polling process remained peaceful and well-coordinated throughout the day. Voting began on a steady note with 37.51% turnout recorded by 10:00 a.m., which climbed to 77.68% by noon, and finally settled at 78.57% by the 2:00 p.m. deadline.

Among those who voted were 22 ex-officio members and 66 elected corporators. The election was closely monitored by observers, including Surendra Mohan, to ensure transparency and fairness in the process. Following the polling, ballot boxes were sealed, transported under tight police security, and stored in a strong room at the GHMC headquarters.

The contest is primarily between N Gautham Rao of the BJP and Mirza Riyaz Ul Hassan Effendi of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM). The Congress party is reportedly backing the AIMIM, while the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has chosen to stay neutral, issuing a whip instructing its 20 members to abstain from voting. This move is seen as a strategic decision to avoid aligning with either the BJP or AIMIM, the latter of which has grown closer to the Congress in recent times.

With AIMIM holding 49 votes and the Congress adding 14, the alliance enjoys a numerical advantage. The BJP, with 29 votes from its corporators and legislators, is pushing for a competitive battle despite the odds. The vote counting is scheduled for April 25 at 8:00 a.m. at Panwar Hall, GHMC headquarters. Authorities have confirmed that all necessary measures have been taken to ensure a fair and transparent counting process.