Hyderabad: Fresh from a strong showing in Maharashtra, the AIMIM has reinforced its urban footprint in Telangana, winning 70 wards across municipalities and municipal corporations in the latest civic polls. Led by party president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, the AIMIM delivered notable results in several towns. It won 12 wards each in Bodhan and Bhainsa, emerging as the leading party in Bhainsa.
“There are a total of 26 wards in Bhainsa municipality. The AIMIM won 12 of them, followed by independents winning 7, BJP 6 and the Congress one seat. The local leadership will take a decision in consultation with Asaduddin Owaisi whether to have our own municipal chairperson in a post-poll alliance with any of the party or independents. However, in Bodhan, the party can play a kingmaker,” a senior AIMIM leader said. In Nizamabad municipal corporation, the party won 14 seats. The BJP secured 28, Congress 17 and BRS one. Congress leaders said the party leadership would decide whether to hold parleys with the AIMIM to share the mayor and deputy mayor posts, as together they reach the magic figure of 31. The AIMIM also won three seats each in Mahbubnagar and Karimnagar corporations and two in Nalgonda. In municipalities, it secured six seats in Adilabad, three in Nirmal, two each in Jagtial, Zaheerabad and Narayanpet, and one each in Kagaznagar, Banswada, Kohir, Sangareddy, Kodangal, Tandur, Vikarabad, Armoor and Gadwal. In 2020, the AIMIM contested 276 wards and won 87. This time, it fielded candidates in 282 wards and won 70. Party leaders described the outcome as an improved and wider spread performance. Elections were not held to GHMC and two other corporations within the ORR, areas where the AIMIM had earlier registered significant gains.
