The municipal election nomination process in Telangana concluded with a flurry of activity, as over 28,456 candidates submitted their papers across seven municipal corporations and 116 municipalities. The final day alone saw an unprecedented rush, with 19,180 nominations filed, indicating significant political competition at the grassroots level.
The major parties – Congress, BRS (Bharat Rashtra Samithi), BJP, AAP (Aam Aadmi Party), Telangana Rajyadhikara Party, and BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party) – have entered the fray in large numbers. This election season has also seen a strong presence of family members of senior leaders, couples contesting from different wards, and candidates from diverse social backgrounds.
In Mahabubabad Municipality, former BRS MLA Shankar Naik’s daughter Tejaswini filed her nomination from Ward 20. At Chityala Municipality, Nagilla Sudhakar alias Kaveri, a transgender candidate, entered the race from Ward 1, drawing attention for breaking barriers.
In Bhupalpally Municipality, two couples from the BRS contested from different wards, Revula Rakesh (Ward 4) and his wife Revula Sravanthi (Ward 25); Gandra Harish (Ward 29) and his wife Shobha (Ward 10). Nirmal Municipality saw three couples contesting, two from Congress and one from BRS, across six wards.
The elections have also highlighted the emotional stakes involved, as illustrated by a man identified as B. Venu in Chandur Municipality of Nalgonda district, who allegedly attempted suicide after being denied a Congress ticket.
In Huzurabad, rival factions loyal to MP Etela Rajender and Union Minister Bandi Sanjay have filed BJP nominations in select wards, signalling internal competition within the party. At Kothagudem Corporation, uncertainty over a Congress–CPI alliance has led both parties to field candidates.
Campaigning for these elections will begin from Saturday, setting the stage for spirited contests in urban wards across the State. The elections promise to be an interesting spectacle of political dynamics and personal narratives unfolding at the local level.
