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Early polls to GHMC?
Speculations rife on KCR plans to pre-empt BJP juggernaut
Hyderabad: Will the Telangana government go in for early elections to the GHMC, a la Assembly polls in the state? Speculations are rife in political circles that the KCR government is mulling to hold the elections about 18 months ahead of the schedule. The term of the GHMC would end in 2021 but there is a possibility of holding the elections towards the end of this year, indicate sources.
The state government is making necessary arrangements for the conduct of elections for the 120-plus municipalities and some municipal corporations by August first week. It is learnt that some key leaders in the ruling TRS have suggested to Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao that politically it may be advantageous to hold elections early to the GHMC.
The sources say that this issue had come up during the discussion the Chief Minister had with these key leaders on the New Municipal Act that would be introduced in the special session of the Assembly on July 18. "The government is also mulling to bring some changes in the administration and functioning of the GHMC through the new Act," sources told The Hans India.
Though sources say that the reason for possible early elections to the GHMC is because KCR wants to wind up all election-related activities before completing the first year of his second term and dedicate the next four years for the development of the state."
But then analysts say that there is more than what meets the eye. This move, they feel, could be a pre-emptive one to see that the BJP does not get enough time to occupy the political space. The BJP of late has been trying to go aggressive in Telangana and has been claiming that it would emerge as the alternative to the TRS.
The TRS feels that the GHMC elections are highly prestigious because it is considered as mini general election. If the GHMC elections are advanced, it would give ample opportunity for the TRS to gear up itself for the next elections.
The party feels that the period from 2021 to 2024 is most crucial and hence it would be better to hold the GHMC elections this year itself. If it waits till 2021, there is every possibility that the BJP would try all its cards to consolidate its position in the state.
Sources said that "KCR is weighing pros and cons in the conduct of early elections. A final decision is expected to be taken after the municipal elections.
