The municipal election campaign in Telangana concluded on Monday evening, but parties are now using the final day to woo voters through last-minute outreach. Candidates, who until yesterday were touring publicly with supporters, have shifted to private meetings in their wards and divisions. They are making promises to address local and personal issues, while major parties are preparing to deploy financial incentives targeting economically influential voters.
Election officials have finalized preparations for polling in 116 municipalities and seven municipal corporations, covering 2,996 wards with a total of 52.43 lakh voters—25.62 lakh men, 26.80 lakh women, and 640 others. There are 8,203 polling centers, with ballot boxes, staff deployment, and official assignments already completed. Beyond logistics, political parties are focused on influencing voter decisions in the final hours of the campaign.
Reports indicate widespread distribution of cash, gifts, and other inducements to secure votes. In highly contested wards, candidates are offering Rs 2,000–5,000 per voter, along with gold, silver, clothing, laptops, sports equipment, and community contributions. Independent candidates are reportedly coordinating with major parties in some areas. Authorities have seized over Rs 2 crore worth of cash, liquor, gold, and other valuables in recent days, including Rs 76.87 lakh in Hyderabad’s Goshamahal area. Candidates are also promising support for local infrastructure, water supply, weddings, and community projects to gain voter favor, raising concerns about election integrity.