HYDERABAD — The democratic exercise for urban local bodies in Telangana concluded on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, recording a robust voter turnout of 73.01%. While the state election commission (SEC) initially reported a slow start, the momentum surged by the afternoon, highlighting a high-stakes three-way battle between the ruling Congress, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), and the BJP-JSP alliance.
The election, covering seven municipal corporations and 116 municipalities, is being viewed as a litmus test for Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s administration and its ability to penetrate traditional BRS urban strongholds.
1. Turnout Trends: A Tale of Two Districts
Voter participation showed a marked contrast between rural-fringe municipalities and major urban corporations.
- Highest Turnout: Choutuppal in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district led the state with a staggering 91.91% polling.
- Lowest Turnout: Nizamabad Municipal Corporation recorded the lowest participation at 59.12%, reflecting typical urban voter apathy.
- Gender Split: Female voters slightly outperformed males, with a 73.39% turnout compared to 72.63% for male voters.
2. Sporadic Clashes and Allegations of Misconduct
Despite “largely peaceful” polling according to Additional DGP Mahesh Bhagwat, several flashpoints of violence and political friction emerged throughout the day:
- Karimnagar: Police resorted to a lathi charge to disperse BJP workers near the Zilla Parishad office who were protesting alleged bogus voting. Six activists were reportedly injured.
- Vikarabad (Kodangal): CM Revanth Reddy’s home turf saw high tension as BJP and BRS leaders accused the Congress of using “muscle power” and distributing cash to influence voters.
- Sangareddy: Senior Congress leader Jagga Reddy threatened an election boycott following a heated altercation with police officials over alleged booth rigging by BRS supporters.
3. Key Contestants and Exit Poll Projections
The Congress is aiming to replicate its rural success from the 2023 Assembly elections, while the BRS is fighting a defensive battle to protect its urban legacy. Meanwhile, the BJP, bolstered by its alliance with Pawan Kalyan’s Jana Sena Party (JSP), is hoping to flip corporations like Karimnagar and Nizamabad.
| Region | Key Contenders | Status/Prediction |
| Nalgonda | Congress vs BRS | High turnout (77.36%); Congress predicted to lead. |
| Karimnagar | BJP vs Congress | Heavy polling; BJP eyes a stronghold win. |
| Nizamabad | BRS vs BJP | Tough three-cornered fight despite lower turnout. |
4. What’s Next? The Road to Results
All ballot boxes have been moved to 137 high-security strong rooms under a 24-hour surveillance grid.
- Counting Day: Friday, February 13, 2026, starting at 8 AM.
- Oath Taking: Elected ward members will be sworn in on February 16 at 11 AM.
- Mayor/Chairperson Elections: Indirect elections for heads of local bodies will follow on the afternoon of February 16.