Hyderabad, Feb 26 (UNI) – The stage is set for what promises to be a closely contested election for three constituencies of the Telangana Legislative Council, scheduled for Thursday, February 27, 2025. Polling will take place from 8 AM to 4 PM across the Medak-Nizamabad-Adilabad-Karimnagar Graduates' constituency and the Teachers' constituencies of Warangal-Khammam-Nalgonda.
According to reports, there are 56 candidates contesting for the lone Graduates' seat, along with 15 and 19 candidates vying for seats in the Medak-Nizamabad-Adilabad-Karimnagar and Warangal-Khammam-Nalgonda Teachers' constituencies, respectively. This marks the first election for these constituencies since the last terms of office expired on March 29.
Statistically, the election has attracted significant voter registration, with 3,55,159 voters registered for the Graduates' constituency and 27,088 for the Teachers' segment, as confirmed by election officials. The Congress party has fielded candidates exclusively for the Graduates' seat, whereas the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has put forth candidates across all three constituencies. Notably, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has chosen to abstain from this electoral contest.
Election preparations have been extensive, with District Election Officer and Collector Pamela Satpathy reporting on the set-up of 773 polling stations, which include 103 located within Karimnagar. These installations will facilitate the voting process for Crosmost voters, ensuring accessibility for the electorate. Ms. Satpathy visited the ballot box distribution center to oversee the arrangements leading up to the polling day.
Security measures are tightened with prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Indian Penal Code enforced across the constituencies to prevent any unlawful assembly during the polling. Liquor sales will also be suspended across the combined Warangal-Khammam-Nalgonda districts for 48 hours, per election regulations.
Since the state is gearing up for the elections, key political figures from contesting parties have been actively campaigning. Union Minister of State for Home G. Kishan Reddy and MP Bandi Sanjay have been vocal representatives for the BJP, emphasizing their party's commitment to voice the issues affecting graduates and teachers if elected to office. On the Congress side, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has spearheaded campaign events to rally support for the party's selected candidates.
During his campaign, Bandi Sanjay raised eyebrows when he drew parallels between the election contest and cricket matches, describing the BJP as the 'India team' and the Congress party as representing 'Pakistan.' His statements have sparked some controversy, with Congress leaders expressing concerns over inciting communal tensions.
The BJP has been proactive, campaigning vigorously across the constituencies to bolster support for its candidates. The Congress, notwithstanding its limited candidate field, has also shown determination to reclaim influence, as highlighted by the active involvement of party leaders during campaign sessions.
Counting of votes is set to occur on March 3, which will reveal whether the established political dynamics will shift or remain intact following the elections. The anticipation surrounding the results reflects the broader political atmosphere leading up to the election, considering the stakes involved for all parties.
The elections are not merely about winning seats but are seen as indicative of larger trends within Telangana's political sphere, where various interests and electorates converge. The turnout and voting patterns can significantly influence future policies and regional governance.