HYDERABAD: The Hyderabad local authorities’ constituency Member of Legislative Council (MLC) election has triggered intense political activity, with major parties yet to finalise their candidates. With the nomination deadline set for Friday, strategic discussions and potential alliances are at the forefront of political deliberations.
The electoral college for this MLC seat consists of 110 voters, including 81 corporators and 29 ex-officio members. The All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) holds 49 votes, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) has 25, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) possesses 22, and the Congress accounts for 14 votes. These numbers are crucial as parties weigh their options.
Congress’s Strategy
Talks between Congress and AIMIM are reportedly at an advanced stage. Since AIMIM currently holds the MLC seat, they are seeking Congress’s support for their candidate. In return, AIMIM has allegedly offered to assist Congress in the upcoming Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) mayoral elections. However, Congress is keen on securing AIMIM’s backing for their own nominee, potentially influencing the mayoral race in AIMIM’s favour. The outcome of these discussions remains uncertain.
BJP’s Position
The BJP has previously stated its intent to contest the Hyderabad MLC election to challenge AIMIM’s dominance. Union Minister and BJP State President Kishan Reddy has held meetings with party leaders to deliberate on the matter. However, with the nomination deadline approaching, the BJP has yet to make an official announcement regarding its candidate.
BRS’s Approach
The BRS refrained from contesting in the recent two teachers’ and one graduates’ MLC elections, possibly to avoid electoral setbacks. It remains unclear whether the party will follow the same approach in this election or decide to field a candidate.
As the nomination deadline nears, political dynamics in Hyderabad continue to evolve, with parties assessing their strategies to maximise their electoral prospects.
