Telangana Municipal Elections Witness Robust 75.88% Voter Participation
In a significant display of civic engagement, the second ordinary elections to municipalities and municipal corporations in Telangana concluded with a substantial voter turnout of 75.88%. This impressive figure represents the participation of approximately 52 lakh voters across 116 urban local bodies (ULBs) throughout the state on Wednesday.
Detailed Voting Percentages Across Different Municipal Categories
The elections showcased varied participation rates across different types of urban governance structures. Municipal corporations specifically recorded a voting percentage of 66.05%, while the combined overall voting percentage for both municipalities and municipal corporations stood at 73.01%.
Among the seven municipal corporations notified for these elections, Nalgonda emerged with the highest voting percentage at 77.36%, demonstrating particularly strong civic participation. In contrast, Nizamabad recorded the lowest turnout among municipal corporations at 59.12%.
Exceptional and Low-Performing Urban Local Bodies
Four urban local bodies achieved remarkable voter engagement exceeding 90%:
- Choutuppal from Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district
- Pochampally from Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district
- Chandur from Nalgonda district
- Jinnaram from Sangareddy district
Conversely, Nandikonda in Nalgonda district was the sole ULB to record less than 60% polling, indicating areas where voter mobilization efforts might require strengthening in future elections.
Technological Monitoring and Election Management
State Election Commissioner I Rani Kumudini confirmed that the elections proceeded smoothly across Telangana without requiring any repolling at booths. "The elections went off smoothly across the state. There will be no repolling at any booth, and no major instances were reported," stated Kumudini.
The election commission extensively utilized webcasting technology to maintain law and order while ensuring free and fair electoral processes. "Webcasting helped maintain law and order and ensured the conduct of free and fair elections," added the State Election Commissioner.
Warangal Collector Satya Sharada provided specific implementation details: "CCTV cameras were installed in all 80 polling stations across the two municipalities, and the polling process was continuously monitored via webcasting from the control room set up at the collectorate." In six identified sensitive or problematic polling areas, authorities appointed 17 micro-observers to ensure peaceful voting procedures.
Political Participation and Minor Incidents
Several prominent political figures participated in the democratic process, including Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha, who cast their votes at their respective municipalities.
While major incidents were largely absent, some locations experienced mild tensions during polling:
- In the 58th division of Karimnagar town, police conducted a lathi charge following clashes between two groups at a polling station. The confrontation reportedly began when a woman complained that someone had already cast her vote.
- In Nagarkurnool's 15th ward, tension arose after BRS leaders accused Congress leaders of encouraging bogus voting practices.
- In Edulapuram Municipality within Khammam district, workers from two political parties clashed while polling was actively underway.
Post-Poll Procedures and Future Steps
Following the conclusion of voting, election authorities securely transferred ballot boxes to strong rooms across Telangana. The counting of votes is scheduled to take place on Friday, which will determine the electoral outcomes across all 116 urban local bodies.
The successful implementation of webcasting technology, combined with traditional monitoring mechanisms, contributed significantly to maintaining electoral integrity throughout this extensive municipal election process in Telangana.
