Urban Sweep,Congress Dominates Municipal Polls
The political landscape of Telangana shifted significantly as the ruling Congress party secured a landslide victory in the Urban Local Body elections. As counting concluded for 116 municipalities and seven municipal corporations, the results signaled a clear mandate for the administration led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy.
Data from the State Election Commission revealed that Congress won over 1,500 wards, comfortably crossing the majority mark in a significant number of urban centers. The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) finished in the second position, winning 772 wards, while the BJP trailed in third place. This victory is seen as a major consolidation of power for the Congress following its 2023 Assembly success.
In New Delhi, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy met with senior leader Priyanka Gandhi to discuss the results. During the briefing, Gandhi congratulated the state leadership and grassroots workers for their “resounding success.” The CM attributed the win to the government’s focus on urban governance reforms and the effective delivery of welfare schemes.
The day was not without tension, as the Director General of Police, B. Shivadhar Reddy, warned of strict action against any attacks on election staff. Prohibitory orders remained in place around counting centers in Malkajgiri and Cyberabad to prevent any post-poll violence. The DGP emphasized that political workers, regardless of their party affiliation, would face serious consequences for obstructing official duties.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister addressed critical state issues, asserting that there would be “no compromise” on Telangana’s share of river waters. He also hinted at a potential extension of the current government’s term until 2029, aligning with proposed nationwide simultaneous elections.
As the elected councillors prepare for their swearing-in ceremony on February 16, the focus now shifts to the selection of Mayors and Chairpersons. The Congress victory has effectively “crumbled the pink fortresses,” once considered the strongholds of the BRS in urban Telangana.
