Hyderabad Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy is poised to commence the second phase of his extensive district tour starting February 3, strategically aligning with the intensive campaigning period for the upcoming municipal elections in Telangana. These elections, scheduled for February 11, will see voters casting their ballots for 116 municipalities and seven municipal corporations across the state.
Tour Schedule and Political Context
CM Revanth, who is currently in the United States attending a leadership development program at Harvard University's Kennedy School, is expected to return to Hyderabad shortly before launching this crucial political outreach. The first phase of his district tour successfully concluded at Medaram on January 19, setting the stage for this next round of public engagements.
According to reliable sources, the Chief Minister's itinerary for the second phase includes:
- February 3: Public meeting in Miryalguda, combined Nalgonda district
- February 4: Address in Jagtial, Karimnagar district
- February 5: Chevella, Ranga Reddy district
- February 6: Bhupapally
- February 7: Medak
- February 8: Nizamabad
Candidate Selection Process and Alliance Strategy
The Chief Minister has issued clear directives regarding candidate selection for the municipal elections. Screening committees, led by in-charge ministers, will finalize candidates based on comprehensive surveys conducted by professional agencies. These ministers bear significant responsibility for finalizing candidates, developing effective campaign strategies, managing potential rebel troubles within the party, and ensuring electoral victory for party nominees.
Revanth Reddy has specifically instructed the ministers heading these screening committees to consider multiple crucial factors beyond mere winnability. The selection criteria must include:
- Social justice considerations
- Demonstrated loyalty to the party
- Personal integrity and discipline
- Electoral viability
Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka emphasized on Wednesday that ministers, in consultation with the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president, will carefully evaluate potential alliance opportunities. TPCC president B Mahesh Kumar Goud clarified that any alliances would be arranged according to specific local conditions in every ward, municipality, and municipal corporation, with discussions primarily involving the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS).
Significantly, Goud confirmed that the party leadership is not currently engaged in any alliance discussions with the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) regarding the municipal elections.
Ticket Distribution and Nomination Process
The TPCC leadership is making concerted efforts to ensure that Backward Classes (BCs) receive more than 42% of party tickets in the Urban Local Body (ULB) polls, reflecting the party's commitment to equitable representation.
With the nomination filing deadline having passed on January 30 and candidates still being finalized, the TPCC has adopted a pragmatic approach. Multiple aspirants have been given permission to file nominations, with the understanding that they must withdraw in favor of the candidate ultimately finalized by the party. The last date for withdrawal of nominations is February 3, coinciding with the beginning of the Chief Minister's district tour.
The TPCC has made it clear that only candidates who have been officially issued B-Forms will be permitted to remain in the electoral contest, ensuring party discipline and unity during this critical election period.
