Municipal corporation elections are underway across seven municipalities in the state, marking a significant political event. Among the municipalities upgraded to corporations are Mancherial, Kothagudem, Nalgonda, and Mahbubnagar, where elections are being held for the first time. Other cities like Karimnagar, Nizamabad, and Ramagundam have been functioning as corporations for some time now, creating a competitive atmosphere as parties prepare for intense battles.
The All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) is making its presence felt in Karimnagar, Nizamabad, Mahbubnagar, and Nalgonda, impacting the results of major parties. The contest is primarily shaping up between the Congress and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in Nalgonda, which is experiencing elections for the first time as a corporation. Candidates are reportedly spending heavily to secure victory, reflecting the high stakes involved.
In Nizamabad, a fierce battle is unfolding between the BJP and Congress, with no alliances currently formed among the parties. However, post-election, there is speculation about possible collaborations, depending on the results. The BJP, Congress, AIMIM, and BRS are all contesting independently, although the potential for alliances cannot be dismissed as the results come in.
Karimnagar has emerged as a hotspot for competition, particularly between the BJP and Congress. In some divisions, a triangular contest has developed among the BJP, Congress, and BRS, while in other areas, the competition involves Congress, BJP, and independent rebels. AIMIM is also fielding candidates in 15 divisions, indicating a highly competitive environment that could lead to a hung council.
The Ramagundam corporation is witnessing a primary face-off between Congress and BRS, with one division already declared uncontested in favor of Congress. Many divisions are seeing Congress candidates leading the race. This is the first election where the BJP is contesting in a significant number of divisions, indicating its growing influence in the region.
In Kothagudem, following its upgrade from municipality to corporation, the elections are being fiercely contested as Congress and the Communist Party of India (CPI) have transformed from allies to rivals. Congress has fielded candidates in 58 divisions, while the CPI has collaborated with the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) for 57 seats. The BRS, surprisingly, is contesting alone and is banking on support from rebels from both parties.
Mancherial is seeing a robust competition primarily between Congress and BRS, with the BJP also making its presence felt in several divisions. With elections being held for the first time since the upgrade, there is palpable excitement regarding which party will secure the mayoral position. The support of backward classes is deemed crucial across all parties, with many candidates reserving seats for women and allocating a significant number of general seats to backward classes.
In Mahbubnagar, the elections are particularly critical as it is the electoral battleground for Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. The newly upgraded Palamuru corporation is also hosting its first elections, with a highly competitive environment among Congress, BRS, and BJP candidates. In some divisions, there is fierce competition between Congress and BRS, while in others, Congress faces off against BJP. AIMIM candidates are also contesting in 16 divisions, and favorable conditions seem to be aligning for them, with one division already declared uncontested for Congress.
As the elections unfold, the outcomes will likely reshape the political landscape of these municipalities, with intense rivalries and strategic alliances emerging as the key elements of this electoral season.
