Congress dominates Telangana civic polls, sweeps 83 municipalities; BRS suffers setback, BJP surprises with wins in Karimnagar, Nizamabad
Times of India
by ROUSHAN ALIFebruary 14, 2026
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Congress has achieved a significant victory in Telangana's recent civic elections, securing 83 out of 116 municipalities and five of seven municipal corporations. This landslide win comes two years after the party returned to power, reflecting its growing influence in urban areas. Congress dominated key regions like Mancherial, Ramagundam, Nalgonda, and Mahbubnagar, while also making gains with the help of ally CPI in Kothagudem. The party's tally of 1,537 wards represents a substantial increase from its previous performance in 2020.
Meanwhile, the Bajrang Dal Suraksha Abhiyan (BRS) suffered a setback, winning only 15 municipalities and losing a significant number of seats compared to the last polls. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), however, emerged as a surprise winner in Karimnagar and Nizamabad, securing the top position in those areas. This unexpected turnaround highlights BJP's improving appeal in urban centers. AIMIM also performed strongly in certain regions, particularly in Bhainsa municipality.
The results are unlikely to alter Telangana's broader political dynamics but underscore shifting voter preferences. Congress's decisive win reflects public approval of its governance and development initiatives over the past two years, as highlighted by Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy. The party's focus now remains on maintaining its momentum and delivering on its promises to further strengthen its hold in urban Telangana.
These elections also revealed a competitive landscape, with BRS struggling to retain influence while BJP and AIMIM made strategic gains. The outcome sets the stage for potential political manoeuvring as several municipalities remain hung, and ex-officio members and independents play a crucial role in determining leadership roles. As the state continues to navigate its political trajectory, these results signal a changing urban landscape that could have broader implications for regional politics.
In summary, Congress's dominant performance in Telangana's civic polls marks a significant milestone for the party, reinforcing its position as the leading force in urban governance. The election results not only reflect voter trust in Congress but also highlight the evolving dynamics among political parties in the region.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/14/2026