Adilabad, Bhainsa Independents Emerge as Chairpersons
Telangana: In a hung verdict across three municipalities in erstwhile Adilabad and Karimnagar districts, Independent candidates emerged as chairpersons after no party secured a clear majority.
The developments unfolded in Adilabad, Bhainsa and Jammikunta amid intense political manoeuvring. After being elected, one chairperson joined the Congress while another later aligned with the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS).
Adilabad: Independent wins with multi-party backing
In Adilabad municipality, the election of chairperson and vice-chairperson concluded peacefully after high political suspense.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which won 21 seats, was initially expected to secure the chairperson’s post. However, with the Congress focusing on the municipality, equations shifted.
Independent candidate Banwari Anusha was elected chairperson with the support of the Congress, BRS, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and other Independents. MD Rohit of AIMIM was elected vice-chairperson.
The BJP failed to consolidate Independent support. On Monday, Anusha joined the Congress in the presence of Bodhan MLA Sudarsan Reddy.
Bhainsa: Congress-BJP understanding halts AIMIM
In Bhainsa municipality of erstwhile Adilabad district, AIMIM, which secured the highest number of seats, failed to retain control for a third consecutive term.
Political strategies led by Mudhole MLA Pawar Ramarao Patil resulted in an understanding between the Congress and BJP to block AIMIM.
In the 31-member council, AIMIM won 12 seats, the Congress one and the BJP none. Five BJP rebels contested as Independents and won, while two candidates from minority communities also secured victories.
With support from these members, Independent candidate Tumolla Dattatri from Ward 21 was elected chairperson. Ward 25 Independent councillor BB Kantil Siddiqui was elected vice-chairperson.
Jammikunta: Dramatic shift during election
In Jammikunta municipality of Karimnagar district, the chairperson’s election witnessed tense scenes and last-minute shifts.
The Congress won 10 seats, BRS 12 and BJP four, while three Independents and one Forward Bloc member secured victories. With no clear majority, camps were formed soon after results were declared.
Initially, Independents including Molugu Prashanth Kumar were in the Congress camp. However, on Monday, Prashanth Kumar reached the municipal office in a bus arranged by MLA Padi Kaushik Reddy, along with BRS councillors, surprising Congress leaders.
Both Congress and BRS proposed Prashanth Kumar’s name for chairperson. With support from 12 BRS members, three Independents and 10 Congress councillors totalling 25 votes he was elected chairperson.
For vice-chairperson, Mumtaz Ali Mohammed secured 16 votes, including support from BRS members, Independents and the MLA’s ex-officio vote.
Though Congress councillors objected to Prashanth Kumar wearing a BRS scarf during the election, he later joined the BRS.
