The Telangana State Election Commission has released comprehensive guidelines for the upcoming municipal elections in Telangana. These rules will apply to all municipalities and municipal corporations across the state. The Commission has clearly outlined candidate eligibility, nomination procedures, security deposits, and election spending limits, stating that the aim is to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
Candidate Eligibility Rules
According to the guidelines, anyone contesting the municipal elections must be an Indian citizen and must have completed 21 years of age. Candidates for municipal corporations should be registered voters within the corporation limits, while municipal councillor candidates must be enrolled as voters in any ward of the concerned municipality.
The Commission has clearly stated that government contractors, people holding profit-making positions, and those previously disqualified for failing to submit election expenditure statements are not eligible to contest. In addition, individuals removed from Central or State government service, as well as those officially declared insolvent, are barred from participating in the elections.
Documents Required for Nomination
Candidates must submit the nomination form obtained from the election officer along with a detailed affidavit. This affidavit should include information on assets, liabilities, income, and criminal cases, if any. Along with this, candidates are required to submit copies of their voter ID, Aadhaar card, and passport-size photographs.
For candidates contesting reserved seats (SC, ST, and BC categories), a declaration certified by a Revenue Department officer not below the rank of Deputy Tahsildar is mandatory. Without this verification, nominations for reserved seats will not be accepted.
Nomination Process Explained
Candidates representing political parties must obtain a B-Form from their respective party. This form must be submitted to the Returning Officer before the deadline for withdrawal of nominations. Party candidates require only one proposer, while independent candidates must submit proposals supported by 10 registered voters from the same ward.
The Commission has allowed candidates to file up to four nomination papers, giving them flexibility in case of technical errors or objections.
Deposit Amounts and Spending Limits
Security deposit amounts vary depending on the local body. In municipalities, the deposit is ₹1,250 for SC, ST, and BC candidates and ₹2,500 for others. In municipal corporations, the amounts are ₹2,500 for SC, ST, and BC candidates and ₹5,000 for general category candidates.
Strict controls have been imposed on election expenditure. The maximum spending limit is ₹10 lakh for municipal corporation candidates and ₹5 lakh for Grade-1 municipality candidates. Candidates must open a separate bank account and route all campaign-related expenses through it. Costs related to campaign materials, vehicles, meetings, and digital promotions must be properly recorded.
El Nino Impact and Advisory
The Commission has also taken note of the El Nino weather conditions, which are expected to push temperatures above normal during the election period. Candidates and campaign workers have been advised to take precautions against heat, ensure availability of drinking water, and prioritize health and safety during public campaigns.
