Hyderabad: The State Election Commission announced the schedule for the Telangana municipal polls on Tuesday, covering 116 municipalities and seven municipal corporations across the state.
State Election Commissioner Rani Kumudini said voters would cast their ballots on February 11. Officials will take up counting on February 13. With the announcement, the model code of conduct came into force immediately, except in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation area.
The announcement formally triggered the Telangana municipal polls process. Election officials said the commission reviewed preparedness across all districts before finalising the schedule.
Rani Kumudini held a video conference with district collectors, superintendents of police, the Director General of Police, the Chief Secretary, and senior officials. During the meeting, officials reviewed law and order, logistics, and manpower arrangements.
The commission also considered religious events such as Maha Shivaratri and the start of Ramadan. Based on these factors, it fixed January 28 as the beginning of the nomination process.
Telangana municipal polls nomination process begins January 28
According to the notification, candidates can file nominations for the Telangana municipal polls from January 28. The commission fixed January 30 as the last date for submitting nomination papers. Officials will conduct scrutiny on January 31.
Candidates can withdraw their nominations until February 3. Polling will take place on February 11. Authorities will hold a re-poll on February 12 if required. Officials will count votes on February 13.
The commission will conduct elections in 123 urban local bodies. Authorities have set up 8,195 polling stations for the exercise. Polling will take place from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Election officials said the electorate includes 52.43 lakh registered voters. The commission said it would ensure free, fair, and peaceful polling across the state.
