Tense showdown as Mayors, Municipal Chairpersons to be elected today

Political parties in Telangana are preparing for indirect elections of mayors, municipal chairpersons and vice-chairpersons on Monday. The outcome will determine the leadership of 116 municipalities and seven municipal corporations following the February 11 civic polls. Congress, which secured a strong majority, is likely to win the majority of these positions due to its strategic maneuvering and negotiations with independents. The BJP has accused the Congress of having a tacit understanding with the BRS in Karimnagar and Nizamabad while the BRS has alleged the same against the BJP. The Telangana State Election Commission issued guidelines to prevent any unauthorized candidate from entering the election hall.