Telangana municipal polls: 28,456 candidates file nomination across 7 municipal corporations, 116 municipalities
A striking 19,180 nominations were submitted on the final day alone, underscoring intense political competition and heightened interest at the grassroots level
By Sistla Dakshina Murthy
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Hyderabad: The nomination process for the municipal elections in Telangana concluded on a high note.
Over 28,456 candidates filed their nomination papers across seven municipal corporations and 116 municipalities.
A striking 19,180 nominations were submitted on the final day alone, underscoring intense political competition and heightened interest at the grassroots level.
With nominations complete, campaigning will begin from Saturday, setting the stage for spirited contests in urban wards across the State.
Last-day surge highlights political heat
While 9,276 nominations were filed in the first two days, the final day witnessed an unprecedented rush. Candidates from major parties, Congress, BRS, BJP, as well as AAP, Telangana Rajyadhikara Party, and BSP, entered the fray in large numbers.
Political observers noted a strong presence of family members of senior leaders, couples contesting from different wards, and candidates from diverse social backgrounds, adding layers of intrigue to the elections.
Families, couples, and firsts add colour
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.
Political tensions and incidents
In Chandur Municipality of Nalgonda district, a man identified as B. Venu allegedly attempted suicide after being denied a Congress ticket, highlighting the emotional stakes involved.
In Huzurabad, rival factions loyal to MP Etela Rajender and Union Minister Bandi Sanjay filed BJP nominations in select wards, signalling internal competition.
At Kothagudem Corporation, uncertainty over a Congress–CPI alliance led both parties to field candidates in most wards, with possible withdrawals depending on alliance talks.
Martyr’s mother enters the civic arena
Colonel Santosh Babu’s mother, Bikkumalla Manjula, filed her nomination on a BRS ticket from Ward 44 of Suryapet Municipality. She was handed the party B-form by former Rajya Sabha MP Badugula Lingayya Yadav and said she was entering politics with a resolve to serve the people.
MLA’s family in the fray at Miryalaguda
In Miryalaguda Municipality, family members of Congress MLA Bathula Laxma Reddy filed nominations despite the party not announcing its official candidate list.
His wife, Madhavi, contested from Ward 39,
Elder son Sai Prasanna from Ward 40, and
Younger son Eshwar Ganesh from Ward 28.
Notably, Madhavi had also contested in the previous election but lost.
Campaigns to begin
With the nomination phase over, political parties are gearing up for full-scale campaigning, as urban Telangana braces for a closely watched municipal contest marked by high stakes, strong personalities, and intense local dynamics.
