Telangana Municipal Elections Scheduled for February 11, Results on 13th

The Telangana State Election Commission has announced that polling for the municipal elections will take place on February 11, 2026, with results expected on February 13. This election will cover 116 municipalities and seven corporations, impacting a total of 2,996 wards and divisions whose terms have expired.

Nominations for candidates will be accepted from January 27 to January 30. This decision follows a directive from the Telangana State cabinet, which met on January 18 under the leadership of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy in Medaram, Mulugu district. The cabinet emphasized the need to expedite the electoral process and ensure all arrangements are finalized by the election date.

The cabinet confirmed that the reservation process for the elections has been completed in accordance with the report from the Dedicated Commission. Additionally, officials were instructed to structure the election schedule to avoid conflicts with the upcoming Ramzan and Maha Shivaratri festivals, thereby ensuring minimal disruption to public life.

Funding Boost for Local Bodies

In related news, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy announced a significant increase in funding for local bodies in Telangana. The budget has seen an increase of 80 percent, reaching ₹9,050 crore. Over the past decade, the central government has allocated more than ₹11,000 crore to various Gram Panchayats and local bodies in the state.

Reddy explained that this funding surge aims to enhance accountability and transparency at the grassroots level. He noted that between 2015-16 and 2019-20, ₹5,060 crore was released, with the new allocation for 2020-21 to 2025-26 set to improve local governance significantly.

The first instalment of ₹260 crore for the financial year 2024-25 will be disbursed soon, contingent upon the completion of the local body elections and the submission of Utilisation Certificates for the previous year. The remaining funds, approximately ₹2,500 crore, will be released in phases following further documentation.

Additionally, the cabinet has announced plans for the Godavari Pushkaralu, scheduled to be held from July 27 to August 3, 2027. This initiative aims to enhance eco-tourism and develop significant and ancient temples along the Godavari river corridor, from Basara to Bhadrachalam. Departments including Endowments, Revenue, Forest, Tourism, and Archaeology have been tasked with creating a comprehensive development report by March 31.

The forthcoming elections and the associated funding boost reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening local governance and ensuring adequate representation at the municipal level.