Hyderabad, February 13 The ruling Congress party has gained an advantage over the opposition BRS and BJP as counting for the Telangana Municipal elections progressed on Friday.
Out of the 2,582 wards in 116 municipalities where elections were held on February 11, Congress was leading in 300, while BRS was leading in 170 wards at 10.45 AM. BJP candidates were ahead in 48 wards, according to initial trends.
The counting of votes is expected to take time as ballot papers were used in the election.
Postal ballots were taken up first for counting.
The counting of votes in the elections to 116 municipalities and seven municipal corporations began at 123 centers across the state at 8 AM.
The outcome of the three-way contest between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP and BRS is crucial for all of them, as it will indicate their popularity among voters.
Detailed security arrangements have been made to ensure that the process goes smoothly.
DGP B Shivadhar Reddy has said that comprehensive and foolproof security arrangements have been put in place for the counting of votes.
Nearly 12,000 police personnel and Quick Response Teams have been deployed at the counting centers to maintain law and order.
Prohibitory orders will be in effect around the counting centers.
Over 73 per cent of voters exercised their franchise in the elections.
While the Congress is looking to consolidate its position as the dominant force in state politics, the BJP is hoping to emerge as an alternative to the Congress and BRS in the 2028 assembly polls.
Following a series of losses, including in the 2023 assembly elections, the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, and two assembly bypolls, the BRS is hoping to revive its fortunes by making substantial gains in the municipal elections.
