The municipal elections held on Wednesday across 116 municipalities and seven municipal corporations in the state concluded peacefully, with a voter turnout of 73.01%. According to reports from the election commission, the polling recorded 66.05% in corporations and 75.88% in municipalities. Notably, the municipality of Choutuppal saw the highest turnout at 91.91%, while Nandikonda registered the lowest at 59.68%. In terms of the corporations, Nalgonda had the highest turnout at 77.36%, whereas Nizamabad had the lowest at 59.12%.
Election commission officials confirmed that the polling process was largely peaceful, with few scattered incidents reported. They stated that there was no need for re-polling in any area. However, there were notable incidents involving political figures, including BJP MP Dharmapuri Arvind in Nizamabad and former Congress MLA Jagga Reddy in Sangareddy, who allegedly insulted police officers. The state election commissioner, Rani Kumudini, has reportedly instructed district superintendents of police to provide reports on these incidents.
In addition, the commissioner directed officials to investigate any complaints regarding incidents in other areas and take appropriate action. The election process was monitored from a control room, where state election commissioner I. Rani Kumudini, along with key officials including SEC secretary Lingyanayak and DGP Shivadhar Reddy, oversaw the polling operations. They utilized communication tools and webcasting to monitor conditions at problematic polling stations and ensure adequate security arrangements.
Real-time monitoring was enhanced by linking the movements of route mobile forces, striking forces, and special striking forces to Google mapping. The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Sudarshan Reddy was also present, reviewing the webcasting process. The commissioner emphasized that webcasting not only raises awareness among the youth about the electoral process but also instills confidence in voters regarding the electoral system, contributing to increased voter turnout.
Meanwhile, general observers and micro observers visited polling stations and provided timely reports to the election commission. There were some complaints regarding the management and facilities at certain polling locations. After the polling concluded, staff transported the ballot boxes to receiving centers established across the 123 municipalities. Officials paid special attention to safely transferring the ballot boxes to strong rooms.
As preparations for vote counting are underway, Rani Kumudini and DGP Shivadhar Reddy are coordinating efforts in line with the election commission’s directives for counting on the 13th of this month. For the first time, fencing will be set up around the tables at the counting centers to ensure security. Given that the elections were conducted via the ballot method, it is anticipated that the counting process may extend through Friday night.
