73% of Voters Cast Ballots as Telangana Municipal Polls Conclude

Telangana’s municipal elections on Wednesday concluded peacefully, with voters across the state turning out enthusiastically. According to the State Election Commission, over 73% of eligible voters participated, signaling robust public engagement in the democratic process. Urban areas and towns reported particularly high turnout, reflecting keen interest in local governance.

Voting was conducted from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. , with those in queues at closing time allowed to cast their ballots. In the seven municipal corporations, turnout was 66% , while the 116 municipalities recorded nearly 76% participation. Choutuppal led the state with 91.9% turnout , and Nizamabad had the lowest at 59% . Male and female voters participated almost equally, with 73% of women and 72.6% of men casting votes.

The state police deployed extensive security measures across more than 8,200 polling stations, including additional forces in sensitive areas. Elderly and differently-abled voters received police assistance at several polling locations. While the overall process was peaceful, minor incidents were reported in a few districts. In Karimanagar, BJP activists staged a protest alleging irregularities, briefly disrupting traffic. In Sangareddy, a former Congress MLA clashed verbally with police over alleged fake voting . In Nizamabad, a BJP MP faced police action for reportedly intimidating polling staff.

Prominent leaders also exercised their franchise. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy voted in Kodangal, describing voting as a “powerful instrument of democracy.” Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka , Congress state president B. Mahesh Kumar Goud , Union Ministers Bandi Sanjay Kumar and G. Kishan Reddy , along with several local leaders, cast their votes across the state.

These elections, held across 116 municipalities and seven municipal corporations , are seen as a key test for the ruling Congress, main opposition BJP, and BRS. Early exit polls suggest Congress is leading in 68–76 municipalities , potentially winning over 1,200 wards , while BRS is expected to capture 29–36 municipalities . The BJP could secure 3–5 municipalities , with pockets of influence in Nizamabad and Karimnagar corporations.

Counting of votes is scheduled for February 13 , with mayoral and municipal chairperson elections on February 16 . Analysts say the results could significantly shape Telangana’s urban political landscape ahead of upcoming state and national elections.