Telangana Municipal Polls: Vote Counting Underway Amid Heavy Security
Vote Counting Begins for Telangana Municipal Elections Under Tight Security
Hyderabad, Feb 14: Counting of votes for elections held across 116 municipalities and seven municipal corporations in Telangana commenced at 8 am on Friday, with authorities enforcing extensive security measures to ensure a peaceful process.
High Turnout, Thousands in the Fray
The civic polls, conducted on February 11, saw 12,930 candidates contesting for 2,996 wards. Fourteen wards 12 in municipalities and two in corporations were declared elected unopposed, while voting in one ward was postponed. More than 5.2 million voters participated, resulting in a turnout exceeding 73 percent.
Counting Across 123 Centres
Officials confirmed that counting is underway at 123 locations statewide. The exercise began with postal ballots and is being followed by the tallying of regular ballot papers. Since traditional ballot papers were used instead of electronic voting machines, the process is expected to take longer than usual.
Heavy Security and Strict Restrictions
Nearly 12,000 police personnel, supported by armed units and Quick Response Teams, have been deployed at counting venues. Entry is restricted to authorised individuals with valid passes after comprehensive checks.
Prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) are in effect within a 200-metre radius of counting centres, banning large gatherings and the carrying of weapons. Police have been instructed to act swiftly against any violations.
Next Phase Scheduled for February 16
The Telangana State Election Commission has announced that indirect elections for chairpersons, vice-chairpersons, mayors, and deputy mayors will take place on February 16, 2026. The Model Code of Conduct will remain in force until the completion of this phase, with guidelines issued to prevent unauthorised assemblies and ensure compliance.
