BJP wins 250+ wards, eyes control of six municipalities in Telangana
Hyderabad: N Ramchander Rao, president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Telangana, said the party has won over 250 wards in the urban local body elections. Moreover, he stated that the BJP has emerged as the single largest party in nearly six municipalities.
Addressing a press conference at the party’s state office after polling concluded, Rao expressed confidence over the party’s performance. He said the BJP is moving towards capturing the Nizamabad Municipal Corporation and the Karimnagar Municipal Corporation for the first time.
Improved Performance and Vote Share Growth
Rao said the BJP expects to win between 320 and 350 seats. In addition, he claimed the party is in a position to secure around 70 divisions in various municipal corporations.
He further stated that the BJP’s vote share increased from 13 per cent to 20 per cent. According to him, this rise reflects growing public support across urban Telangana.
Meanwhile, he pointed out that the party’s performance improved significantly in Mancherial, Ramgundam and Nalgonda compared to previous elections.
Chairman Posts and Narrow Defeats
Rao said the BJP is set to capture five municipalities. Furthermore, he claimed the party is likely to win chairman posts in Vemulawada, Raikal, Narayanpet, Adilabad and Metpally.
In contrast, he noted that in the previous elections, the BJP had won only two municipalities and about 241 ward member posts.
However, Rao said BJP candidates lost by narrow margins in nearly 200 wards. In many cases, he added, the defeat margin ranged from just two to 25 votes. He attributed some of these losses to triangular contests.
Expansion into New Districts
Rao also highlighted that the BJP opened its account in districts where it previously had no representation. For instance, the party won a ward in Ashwaraopeta in Bhadradri Kothagudem district. Similarly, it secured a division in Kothagudem Corporation.
He described these victories as a sign of expanding grassroots presence.
Allegations Against Congress, BRS and MIM
Responding to a query, Rao alleged there was a “Fevicol bond” between the Indian National Congress, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM).
He claimed that Asaduddin Owaisi, MP from Hyderabad, urged Muslim voters to support whichever party was in second place to defeat the BJP.
“Without MIM support, the Congress and BRS cannot win elections,” Rao alleged.
GHMC and Future Strategy
Referring to the upcoming Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation elections, Rao alleged that the Congress government split the GHMC into three parts. According to him, this was done to facilitate a mayoral post for the MIM.
On the possibility of a hung verdict in municipalities or corporations, Rao clarified that the BJP would not support any other party.
Acknowledging Support
Although he admitted that the results may not have met all expectations, Rao said there is a clear indication of growing BJP influence in Telangana. Finally, he thanked the people of the state, party leaders, activists, social media teams and the media for their support.
BJP state general secretary Dr N Gautham Rao, state vice-president Madhavi Kolli, treasurer Devaki Vasudeva Rao, chief spokesperson and media in-charge N V Subhash, A Ramakrishna and Rana Pratap were present at the press conference.
