Telangana Legislative Council Polls: AIMIM wins from Hyderabad local seat

By Admin

25 Apr, 2025

In a significant political development, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) secured a crucial win in the Telangana Legislative Council polls. Mirza Riyaz Ul Hassan Effendi, the AIMIM candidate, emerged victorious from the Hyderabad Local Authorities' constituency by defeating BJP's N Goutham Rao.

The election, which was held on April 23, saw a direct contest between the Asaduddin Owaisi-led AIMIM and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as the ruling Congress and the main opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) opted out of the race. Of the 112 eligible voters, including 81 GHMC corporators and 31 ex-officio members such as MLAs, MPs, and MLCs, a total of 88 votes were cast. Effendi secured 63 votes, while his BJP rival received 25.

A Heated Political Atmosphere

Leading up to the polls, political tensions soared. The BJP accused both the Congress and BRS of indirectly supporting AIMIM by choosing not to field candidates, alleging that their withdrawal helped the "communal" AIMIM secure the win uncontested. The narrative took a sharper turn when banners appeared in parts of Hyderabad, under the name of "Hindus," appealing to GHMC corporators to vote against AIMIM for allegedly insulting the Hindu community.

BRS’s Strategic Absence

BRS Working President K. T. Rama Rao defended the party’s decision to abstain, stating that the party lacked the numbers to make an impact and could not, in principle, support either AIMIM or the BJP. In a move to ensure discipline within its ranks, BRS issued a whip instructing its members to stay away from the election.

Congress Responds to BJP’s Allegations

In response to the BJP’s accusations, Congress MLC Venkat Balmoor criticized the BJP for contesting the election despite knowing it lacked adequate support. Balmoor alleged that the BJP was attempting to exploit religious sentiments to stir political unrest and gain visibility.

Conclusion

The Hyderabad Local Authorities' constituency poll was more than just a legislative contest—it became a reflection of deeper political and ideological rivalries in Telangana. With AIMIM securing a clear victory, the party reinforces its stronghold in Hyderabad while the political strategies of other major players come under scrutiny.