Splitting Hyderabad into four corporations might come in handy for the Congress government in Telangana during the GHMC elections.
Published Oct 04, 2024 | 10:08 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 04, 2024 | 10:58 PM
Minister Komatireddy Venkat (Supplied)
In a move that could spark a new controversy, the Telangana government is considering a proposal to divide the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) into four separate municipal corporations, each led by its own mayor.
Speaking at an infrastructure conclave in Hyderabad on Friday, 4 October, Telangana minister for Roads and Buildings, Komatireddy Venkat Reddy announced this while discussing the state government’s initiative to develop the Musi River Front.
The move, if implemented, will significantly alter the landscape ahead of the GHMC elections. The GHMC, which is scheduled for elections in 2026, currently consists of 56 members from the BRS, 48 from the BJP, and 44 from the AIMIM, with the Congress holding only two seats.
Gadwal Vijayalakshmi, who was elected on a BRS ticket and later became the mayor of GHMC, recently switched her allegiance to the Congress. The last GHMC elections were held in 2020.
“4 mayors (for #Hyderabad) in the upcoming elections,”: #Telangana Roads and Buildings Minister Komati Venkatreddy announced.
Deeming it a necessity for the burgeoning city touching a population of 1.5 Crore, he announced splitting #Hyderabd into four corporations for the 2026… pic.twitter.com/HMmVY7aGHE
— South First (@TheSouthfirst) October 4, 2024
Congress, which came to power after the Telangana Assembly elections late last year, has been striving to establish a foothold in Hyderabad ahead of the GHMC elections.
During the Assembly elections, the grand old party failed to win any seats in Hyderabad as voters predominantly supported the BRS. Congress might have a chance to gain if the GHMC is split into four corporations, as it can deal a blow to the BRS and the BJP which had emerged strong in the 2020 elections.
The Hyderabad Municipal Corporation was upgraded into Greater Hyderabad Municipal corporation on 16 April 2007 by merging 12 municipalities and eight gram panchayats. As many as 24 Assembly constituencies come under the GHMC limits.
(Edited by Neena)
