Independents Seize Kingmaker Role in Telangana's Municipal Polls
The real political battle in Telangana ignited after the municipal election results were declared on Friday, with independents emerging as the pivotal kingmakers in numerous urban local bodies. In a scenario where no major party secured a clear majority, these independent winners now hold the key to determining chairperson and mayoral posts across the state.
Fractured Verdicts and Intense Negotiations
Out of 123 municipalities, nearly 30 delivered fractured verdicts, including prominent locations such as Jangaon, Isnapur, Aliabad, Kagaznagar, Devarakadra, Alampur, Gadwal, Kesamudram, Asifabad, Jinnaram, Jammikunta, Vemulawada, and Raikal municipalities, as well as Karimnagar and Nizamabad municipal corporations. With no party reaching the required majority, backroom negotiations commenced swiftly after the counting concluded.
To prevent potential poaching, political parties have relocated councillors and corporators from hung municipalities to undisclosed locations. These individuals are scheduled to return only on February 16 for the swearing-in ceremonies and the subsequent elections for chairpersons and mayors.
Major Parties Scramble for Support
Major political entities, including the Congress, BRS, and BJP, are actively wooing independents and smaller recognized parties to assemble workable majorities. Notably, the ruling Congress aims to leverage its ex-officio votes—comprising MLAs, MLCs, and MPs entitled to vote in these elections—to gain an edge in certain municipalities. However, independents are negotiating aggressively, with some demanding the chairperson's post in exchange for their support.
In Aliabad, for instance, where the 20 wards are split among Congress (8), BRS (7), BJP (3), and one independent, the independent's backing has reportedly come at a high price, highlighting their newfound influence.
Independent Surge and Internal Dynamics
The independent surge is particularly evident in municipalities like Jagtial, where 15 independents won, compared to Congress's 23, BJP's 6, BRS's 4, and AIMIM's 2. Many of these independents are loyalists of former minister and Congress veteran T Jeevan Reddy, who fielded supporters after they failed to secure party tickets. This has sparked internal rivalries, such as with local MLA M Sanjay Kumar, adding complexity to the post-poll arithmetic.
In Karimnagar municipal corporation, BJP emerged as the single largest party with 27 wards, followed by Congress (12), BRS (8), MIM (2), and seven independents. The BJP is now striving to secure independent support to consolidate its position.
Key Municipalities and Cliffhanger Scenarios
Several municipalities present tight races. In Kesamudram, both BRS and Congress secured 8 wards each, making ex-officio members crucial in deciding the chairperson. In Kagaznagar, where Congress and BRS each won 10 wards, BJP 5, AIMIM 1, and independents 4, the chairperson's post entirely depends on independent backing.
Isnapur is another cliffhanger, with BRS winning 12 wards, Congress 10, and independents 4. BRS needs two more councillors for control, while Congress requires four, leading to frantic efforts to secure independent support and mild tensions at counting centers.
In Waddepally municipality, Gadwal district, an All India Forward Bloc candidate is set to become municipal chairman, reportedly a follower of ex-MLC K Kavitha, though he denies any association. Here, of the 10 wards, Forward Bloc secured 8, with BRS and Congress winning one each.
Clear Verdicts in Some Areas
Not all municipalities experienced fractured mandates. In locations like Amangal, Chevella, Nirmal, Sathupally, Bheemgal, Bhuvanagiri, Yadagirigutta, and Pochampally, voters delivered clear verdicts, with no independent candidates winning, providing a contrast to the widespread hung scenarios.
Across Telangana's urban landscape, the message is clear: while the major parties battled for dominance, independents now command the numbers, reshaping the political dynamics in the state's local governance.
