Telangana’s municipal landscape is set for a significant shift as exit polls predict a landslide victory for the ruling Congress party. Following the polling for 116 municipalities and 7 municipal corporations on Wednesday, various survey agencies have released their projections, all pointing toward a “Hand” wave across the state’s urban centers. The surveys suggest that the opposition BRS and BJP have struggled to counter the ruling party’s momentum, with Congress expected to secure between 70 to 85 municipalities.
According to the People’s Pulse survey, Congress is likely to clinch 68-76 municipalities, while the Beacon Survey provides an even more optimistic outlook, projecting 80-85 seats for the party. In terms of municipal wards, Operation Chanakya estimates that Congress could secure nearly 1,400 to 1,449 wards with a 48% vote share. BRS is projected to take the second spot with roughly 26% of the votes, while the BJP is expected to hover around 13%. Interestingly, the Janasena party is also predicted to make its mark by winning approximately 30-35 wards.
The battle for the 7 Municipal Corporations also reflects a dominant performance by the Congress, particularly in Mahabubnagar, Mancherial, Ramagundam, and Nalgonda. However, the BJP is expected to put up a strong fight and potentially take the lead in North Telangana’s Nizamabad and Karimnagar corporations. In Kothagudem, a tight contest is anticipated between Congress and CPI. Social demographics indicate a strong leaning of SC and Muslim minority voters toward Congress, which seems to have solidified its urban stronghold. Official results are awaited on February 13.
