Counting of votes for the Telangana municipal elections began on Thursday morning amid tight security arrangements, marking a crucial phase in the state’s local body polls that are seen as an important test of political strength at the grassroots level.

Election officials said counting started simultaneously across designated centres in multiple districts, with arrangements made for orderly tabulation and real-time monitoring. Postal ballots were taken up first, followed by votes recorded through electronic voting machines, in line with standard election procedures. Authorities said results are expected to emerge progressively through the day.

The municipal polls cover several urban local bodies, including municipal corporations, municipalities and nagar panchayats, drawing attention from major political parties such as the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi, the Indian National Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party. Party workers gathered outside counting centres early in the day as initial trends began to trickle in.

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Polling for the civic bodies was held earlier this week and witnessed a steady turnout, with officials reporting largely peaceful voting. The elections are significant as they reflect voter sentiment in urban areas on issues such as civic infrastructure, sanitation, water supply and local governance, which directly affect day-to-day life.

Security was tightened around counting venues, with police personnel deployed to prevent untoward incidents. Election authorities said all necessary precautions were in place to ensure transparency and fairness, including restricted entry, CCTV surveillance and the presence of authorised counting agents.

Political observers say the municipal poll results could shape the narrative ahead of future state-level contests, offering insights into shifting alliances and urban voter priorities in Telangana. As counting progresses, parties are expected to closely track trends while awaiting the final outcome from the State Election Commission, Telangana.

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