Congress strengthened its hold over Telangana’s urban centres on Friday, moving decisively towards controlling at least 83 of 116 municipalities and five of the seven municipal corporations that went to the polls on 11 February, underscoring its expanding footprint two years after returning to power in the state.By late evening, the party had secured clear majorities in the municipal corporations of Mancherial, Ramagundam and Nalgonda. It was also within striking distance of wresting control of Mahbubnagar from Bharat Rashtra Samithi, leading with 29 seats in the 60-member corporation. In Kothagudem, Congress leaders expressed confidence of forming the administration with outside support from their ally, the Communist Party of India, which has maintained pockets of influence in coal belt regions.
Results from municipalities across districts pointed to a broader consolidation. Congress candidates built leads in several urban local bodies that had been considered competitive, particularly in areas where BRS had maintained organisational depth over the past decade. Party functionaries described the outcome as evidence of voter endorsement for the state government’s welfare and infrastructure programmes, including expanded social pensions, housing allocations and urban development grants rolled out since the Assembly election victory.
Urban local body elections in Telangana are widely viewed as a barometer of political momentum between Assembly cycles. With 116 municipalities and seven corporations at stake, the 11 February polls tested grassroots networks and the appeal of local leadership. Turnout patterns varied across districts but remained broadly consistent with previous civic elections, reflecting sustained voter engagement in municipal governance issues such as drinking water supply, drainage systems, road connectivity and property tax assessments.
Congress leaders argued that the scale of the gains demonstrated a steady entrenchment in towns and smaller cities, complementing the party’s legislative majority in the state Assembly. Senior figures said the results indicated that the party had “extended its reach across urban Telangana”, particularly in northern districts where BRS once commanded overwhelming support.
BRS, which governed Telangana for nearly a decade before losing power, retained influence in select pockets but faced setbacks in several municipalities where it had earlier secured comfortable margins. Party representatives acknowledged disappointment in certain urban segments while maintaining that local factors and anti-incumbency at the municipal level had shaped outcomes. BRS leaders signalled plans to review organisational strategy and strengthen ward-level mobilisation ahead of future contests.
Mahabubnagar emerged as one of the most closely watched battlegrounds. The 60-member corporation witnessed intense campaigning, with Congress seeking to convert Assembly-level gains into municipal control. By Friday evening, Congress had crossed the halfway mark, positioning itself to dislodge BRS from the civic body. Observers noted that control of Mahabubnagar carries symbolic value, given its strategic location and demographic mix.
In Kothagudem, a town shaped by mining and industrial activity, the arithmetic pointed towards a coalition arrangement. Congress leaders indicated that support from CPI councillors would enable them to form the corporation’s governing board. The CPI, which has historically maintained influence among sections of the working class in the region, played a limited but potentially decisive role in seat distribution.
Political analysts said the outcome reflected multiple currents. Urban voters appeared to weigh local service delivery alongside state-level political narratives. Since assuming office, the Congress government has emphasised welfare outreach and administrative responsiveness, seeking to differentiate itself from its predecessor. Municipal polls, however, often hinge on candidate selection and micro-level alliances, factors that can override broader ideological divides.
Data emerging from counting centres suggested that Congress performed strongly in municipalities where it fielded locally rooted candidates and forged understandings with smaller parties or independent groups. In contrast, fragmented opposition votes in some wards may have aided its margins. BRS, despite setbacks, maintained vote shares in several urban wards, indicating that the contest remains competitive in parts of the state.
Telangana’s urban expansion over the past decade has altered the political landscape. Growth in tier-two towns, industrial corridors and peri-urban settlements has created new constituencies concerned with employment, infrastructure and housing. Control over municipal bodies offers parties both administrative leverage and a platform to cultivate future leadership.