Telangana Municipal Elections 2026: Vote Counting Commences Across 123 Centers
The highly anticipated counting of votes for the Telangana municipal elections is now underway, marking a crucial moment in the state's political landscape. The process began at 8 AM on February 13 across 123 designated centers throughout Telangana, covering elections for 116 municipalities and seven municipal corporations.
High-Stakes Political Battle
These urban local body elections represent a significant test of political strength for the ruling Congress party and opposition forces, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BRS) and the Bharatiya Rashtra Samithi (BRS). With over 73% voter turnout recorded during polling on February 11, the results are expected to substantially influence Telangana's urban political dynamics.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has expressed strong confidence that the Congress will secure favorable results, having recently met with national party leadership in Delhi to discuss strategy. Meanwhile, BJP leader G Kishan Reddy remains optimistic about his party's prospects despite alleging misuse of power by the ruling Congress during the election process.
The BRS, aiming to recover from recent electoral setbacks, is looking to make substantial gains in these municipal elections to regain political momentum in the state.
Complex Counting Process
Since ballot papers were used instead of electronic voting machines, the counting process is expected to be considerably time-consuming. The State Election Commission has implemented a detailed procedure:
- Postal ballots are being counted first, followed by regular ballot papers
- Ballot papers from polling stations are bundled in sets of 25
- Wooden trays with compartments are used for each contesting candidate, NOTA, and doubtful votes
- Ballots are examined individually for validity and shown to counting agents
- Valid votes are placed candidate-wise and bundled in sets of 100
- The process continues until all ballots are counted and doubtful votes are decided by the returning officer
Enhanced Security Measures
The State Election Commission has enforced strict security protocols to ensure transparency and maintain order:
- Restricted access to counting halls, permitting only authorized personnel including counting supervisors, assistants, candidates, and their agents
- Webcasting implemented at all counting centers and outside strong rooms for live monitoring
- Prohibitory orders enforced around counting premises to prevent gatherings and maintain law and order
- Adequate security arrangements to ensure peaceful conduct throughout the counting process
Strategic Political Maneuvering
With exit polls suggesting that some urban local bodies may see no clear majority, political parties have taken extraordinary measures to protect their potential gains. Both BJP and BRS have reportedly shifted candidates to secure camps in other states, instructing them to switch off mobile phones until counting concludes.
This strategic movement aims to prevent poaching of winning candidates ahead of the election of chairpersons, vice chairpersons, and mayors scheduled for February 16. Specific instances include:
- Suryapet MLA and former minister G Jagadish Reddy shifting approximately 48 BRS nominees to camps
- BRS candidates from Bhongir and Chandur in Nalgonda and Yadadri districts relocated on Wednesday night
- BJP and BRS leaders in Adilabad making arrangements to shift potential corporators and councillors
- Nirmal MLA and BJP floor leader Alleti Maheshwar Reddy reportedly moving Nirmal BJP municipal nominees to undisclosed locations
Broader Political Implications
The Congress party seeks to strengthen its dominance following significant success in the gram panchayat elections in December last year. A strong showing in these municipal elections would further solidify Congress's influence across Telangana and strengthen its claim as the leading political force in the state.
For the BJP, these elections represent an opportunity to establish itself as a strong alternative in urban constituencies, while the BRS aims to demonstrate its continued relevance in Telangana politics despite recent challenges.
The results will not only determine control of urban local bodies but also set the tone for future political alignments and electoral strategies in Telangana. With the counting process expected to continue for an extended period due to the manual ballot system, all eyes remain on the 123 counting centers across the state as this critical democratic exercise unfolds.
