The State Election Commission has announced the schedule for elections to seven municipal corporations and 116 municipalities across the state. With this announcement, the Model Code of Conduct has come into effect. State Election Commissioner Rani Kumudini held a detailed review meeting with district collectors, SPs, and police commissioners to assess preparedness. Soon after the meeting, the official election schedule was released.

This round of urban elections will see more than 52.43 lakh voters exercising their right to vote. Election Commissioner urged citizens to come forward in large numbers and make their vote count.

The nomination process will begin on January 28. Candidates can file their nominations until 5:00 pm on January 30. Scrutiny of nominations will take place on January 31, followed by the release of the list of eligible candidates. February 3 has been set as the final date for withdrawal of nominations. The final list of contestants will be published the same day. Polling will be held on February 11 from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. Counting of votes will begin on February 13 at 8:00 am, and results will be announced soon after counting is completed.

These elections arrive at a crucial time in Telangana politics. The recently concluded panchayat elections further intensified grassroots politics. In the fiercely contested sarpanch polls, candidates backed by Congress secured the highest number of victories. Those supported by the Bharat Rashtra Samithi finished second, while the Bharatiya Janata Party stood third. The peaceful completion of those elections has now paved the way for another important democratic exercise.

High Stakes in Urban Local Bodies

Urban local bodies play a vital role in development, civic services, and local administration. The outcome of these elections is expected to shape the political narrative in Telangana in the months ahead.

As campaigning gathers pace and political activity intensifies, all eyes are now on February 11.