New Municipal Councils Take Charge as Congress Secures Urban Majority

Newly elected governing bodies assumed office across Telangana’s municipalities and municipal corporations on Monday, marking a significant consolidation of urban political power. The results of elections held for 116 municipalities and seven municipal corporations , announced on February 13, highlight the ruling Congress party’s expanding influence in local governance following its Assembly election victory in 2023. Municipal commissioners administered the oath of office to councillors and corporators and urged them to focus on transparent administration, improved civic infrastructure, sanitation, drinking water supply, and planned urban growth.

New mayors assumed charge in Karimnagar, Nizamabad, Ramagundam, Khammam, Nalgonda, Mahabubnagar, and Mancherial , with Congress securing control in most corporations. Political observers note that municipal bodies play a crucial role in urban planning, property taxation, sanitation management, and implementation of state and central welfare and development schemes. The party’s strong performance is widely seen as an extension of its Assembly poll momentum and voter preference for continuity in welfare delivery and urban development.

In municipal chairman elections completed in 105 municipalities, Congress secured 81 chairman posts , far ahead of BRS (18) , BJP (1) , independents (4), and AIFB (1). While clear mandates emerged in 90 municipalities, 36 councils were hung , reflecting increasingly fragmented urban voting patterns. Congress consolidated power in several of these bodies through alliances, support from independents, and ex-officio votes of MPs and MLAs. Elections in 11 municipalities were deferred due to quorum issues and political disputes, with new dates to be announced.

In Nizamabad’s 60 wards, BJP emerged as the single largest party with 28 seats, followed by Congress (17), AIMIM (14), and BRS (1). However, a Congress–AIMIM alliance backed by ex-officio votes secured the mayoral post. Umarani was elected Mayor and Salma Tahseen Deputy Mayor with the support of 34 members. State minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy said the alliance reflected inclusive governance and helped counter political polarization in North Telangana.

The BJP registered a symbolic breakthrough in the 66-member Karimnagar Municipal Corporation , where it emerged as the largest party and captured the mayoral post. Congress won 14 wards, BRS 9, AIMIM 3, AIFB 3, and independents 7. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs and Karimnagar MP Bandi Sanjay Kumar described the victory as historic, with Kolagani Srinivas elected Mayor and Y. Sunil Rao Deputy Mayor. Analysts see the win as strengthening BJP’s foothold in northern Telangana.

In Kothagudem, Congress and CPI won 22 wards each and agreed to share power in line with their alliance understanding from the 2023 Assembly elections. CPI’s decision to align with Congress despite a support offer from BRS underscores shifting alliance dynamics in industrial and left-leaning regions. Meanwhile, BRS working president K.T. Rama Rao alleged misuse of power in chairperson elections and appointed senior leaders to oversee contests in hung municipalities.

Tension erupted in Torrur town of Mahabubabad district during the chairperson election process. BRS won 9 of 16 wards and Congress 7, but Congress strength rose to nine with ex-officio votes, creating the possibility of deciding the chairperson through a draw of lots. Clashes between party workers prompted police intervention, and officials later confirmed the situation was brought under control.

Urban local bodies in Telangana play a vital role in implementing flagship programmes such as Mission Bhagiratha, sanitation initiatives, road expansion, waste management, and housing schemes. Congress’s strong performance strengthens its administrative grip at the grassroots urban level, but BJP’s gains in Karimnagar and competitive showings by BRS in several areas indicate that urban politics in the state remains dynamic. With new councils in place, expectations are high that civic development projects and service delivery will accelerate across Telangana’s rapidly growing towns and cities.