Oath and Outrage Tensions flare in Local Body Battles

metro india news  I hyderabad

The Telangana municipal corporation and municipality elections concluded in 112 Urban Local Bodies with Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Chairperson, and Vice-chairperson positions filled, marked by strategic alliances, wins, and heated controversies. Following polls on February 11 and results on February 13, oath ceremonies and elections to the key posts were held on Monday, showcasing a dominant Congress performance in most areas, interspersed with BJP and BRS victories.

In the seven municipal corporations, Congress secured Mayor posts in five Coporations including Nizamabad (Mayor: Uma Rani, Deputy: Salma Tahin from AIMIM), Ramagundam (Mayor: Mahankali Swami, Deputy: Patipalli Ellayya), Nalgonda (Mayor: M C Srinivas Reddy, Deputy: Mohammad Ashraf Ali Amar from AIMIM), Mancherial (Mayor: Dharani Madhukar, Deputy: Salla Ramya Mahesh), and Mahabubnagar (Mayor: G Mamata, Deputy: M. Surender Reddy). 

The BJP triumphed in Karimnagar, where Kolagani Srinivas was elected Mayor and Sunil Rao Deputy Mayor, benefiting from BRS neutrality in a hung council with BJP's 30 seats out of 66. Kothagudem saw a CPI-Congress alliance, with CPI's M Ganesh as Mayor and Congress's S Lalitha Kumari as Deputy.

Municipal oath ceremonies highlighted diverse outcomes. In districts like Jagtial, Jogulamba Gadwal, and Sangareddy, Congress and BRS shared wins, with unopposed elections in places like Alampur and Narayanakhed. BRS clinched Asifabad's chairperson (M Akash) and vice-chairperson (Md Ahmed) with cross-party support, while elections in Kyathanpalli and Kagaznagar were postponed amid disputes.

However, the process was marred by allegations and violence. BRS accused Congress of misusing power through BJP tie-ups to thwart its majorities in hung bodies like Thorrur, Amangal, and Medak, including invalid ex-officio votes and councillor abductions. In Thorrur, Mahabubabad, clashes erupted between Congress and BRS workers over MP Kadiyam Kavya's disputed vote, leading to a scuffle, dharna, and police intervention. BRS leaders vowed legal action, claiming these tactics exposed a Congress-BJP nexus to isolate them.

Despite the friction, the elections reflect shifting political dynamics in Telangana's local governance, with Congress consolidating urban strongholds through alliances, while opposition parties highlight concerns over democratic fairness. Officials ensured proceedings under heavy security, paving the way for new administrations to address civic issues.

Chairperson Elections in 11 Municipalities Deferred

The Telangana State Election Commission has deferred elections for chairpersons and vice-chairpersons in 11 municipalities, originally scheduled for Monday, due to a mix of local hurdles including quorum shortages, law and order issues, and administrative delays. This last-minute postponement has sparked protests and heated exchanges in several urban bodies, notably Thorrur, Where former minister Errabelli Dayakar Rao was barred entry amid clashes between BRS and Congress supporters over access permissions.

The impacted municipalities are: Yellandu, Sultanabad, Ibrahimpatnam, Kagaznagar, Khyatanpally, Khanapur, Zaheerabad, Indresham, Dornakal, Jangaon, and Thorrur. Officials have a window to reschedule for Tuesday, failure to do so requires fresh SEC approval for later dates.

Out of 116 municipalities and seven corporations slated for polls, this glitch highlights persistent friction in local power transitions. While ensuring fairness, the delay frustrates residents facing escalating civic needs like infrastructure and sanitation. Political observers predict intensified lobbying as parties maneuver for dominance.