The long-awaited municipal election schedule in Telangana has been officially announced by the State Election Commission. Elections will be held across the state for 116 municipalities and seven municipal corporations. State Election Commissioner Rani Kumudini released the schedule and confirmed that the Model Code of Conduct has come into force immediately in all urban areas where polls will be conducted.
According to the schedule issued by the State Election Commission, the nomination process will begin on January 28. Candidates can file their nominations until January 30. Scrutiny of nominations will take place on January 31, while February 3 has been fixed as the last date for withdrawal of nominations. Polling will be held in a single phase on February 11. The Commission clarified that the elections will be conducted through the ballot paper system.
If repolling becomes necessary in any area, it will be conducted on February 12. Counting of votes will be completed and results will be declared on February 13. After the announcement of results, elections for leadership positions will follow. On February 16, chairpersons and vice-chairpersons will be elected in the 116 municipalities, while mayor and deputy mayor elections will be held in the seven municipal corporations.
Speaking to the media after releasing the schedule, State Election Commissioner Rani Kumudini said that more than 52.43 lakh voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in these elections. She informed that elections will be held for a total of 2,996 wards across the state. The Commissioner assured that all arrangements have been made to ensure free, fair, and peaceful polling.
She also stated that the Election Commission is working closely with the police department to provide tight security, especially in sensitive areas. Officials have been instructed to maintain strict discipline and adequate security at the offices of returning officers, as the nomination process is set to begin.
The municipal elections are considered politically significant for major parties such as the Congress, BRS, and BJP. The verdict of urban voters is expected to play an important role in shaping the political narrative in the state. Political circles are keenly watching how these elections may influence Telangana’s future political direction.
