15 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

Polity & GovernanceNEWS

Telangana Mayor Elections: Ex-officio Members' Crucial Role in Tight Contests

Rajya Sabha members, MLCs, and MLAs will influence Mayor elections in Telangana.

With 36 municipalities and municipal corporations in Telangana facing hung verdicts, ex-officio members like Rajya Sabha members, MLCs, and MLAs are set to play a decisive role in electing Mayors and Municipal Chairpersons. The Telangana State Election Commission (SEC) has clarified that only registered voters within the municipality or corporation limits can be co-opted as ex-officio members. This restriction poses a challenge for political parties as MPs and MLCs cannot freely vote outside their registered jurisdictions.

The Congress emerged as the single largest party with 244 wards (37.4%), followed by the BRS with 238 wards (36.4%), and the BJP with 95 wards (14.5%). Independent councilors and smaller parties are also in high demand.

Key Facts

36 municipalities and municipal corporations in Telangana have hung verdicts.

Rajya Sabha members, MLCs, and MLAs are ex-officio members in Mayor elections.

Only registered voters within the municipality or corporation limits can be co-opted as ex-officio members.

The Telangana State Election Commission (SEC) issued a circular clarifying the eligibility of ex-officio members.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II: Devolution of powers and finances to local levels and challenges therein.

GS Paper II: Functions and responsibilities of the Union and the States, issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure.

Potential question types: Statement-based MCQs, analytical questions on the role of local governance.

In Simple Words

In Telangana, when electing city Mayors, some politicians like MPs and MLAs get a vote because of their position. However, only those who are registered voters in that specific city can vote. This rule matters because many cities have close races, and these extra votes can decide who wins.

India Angle

This affects local politics in India because it determines who gets to run the city. For example, a local shopkeeper might care because the Mayor decides on things like local taxes and regulations that affect their business.

For Instance

Think of it like a housing society election where the local MLA gets a vote because they represent the area. But, they can only vote if they actually live in that society.

It matters because the Mayor makes decisions that affect your daily life, like road repairs, water supply, and local schools. So, who gets to vote for the Mayor directly impacts the quality of local governance.

Every vote counts, especially when it decides who governs your city.

Visual Insights

Telangana Municipal Elections 2026: Key Statistics

Key statistics from the Telangana municipal elections, highlighting the ward share of major parties.

Congress Ward Share: 37.4%
BRS Ward Share: 36.4%
BJP Ward Share: 14.5%

More Information

Background

The role of ex-officio members in local elections is rooted in the broader framework of Indian federalism and the distribution of powers between the Union, State, and local governments. The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts in 1992 aimed to strengthen local self-governance by granting constitutional status to Panchayats and Municipalities. These amendments devolved powers and responsibilities to local bodies, including the election of their representatives. Historically, the inclusion of ex-officio members in local bodies was intended to provide guidance and expertise from experienced legislators. However, it has also been a subject of debate due to concerns about the influence of state and national-level politicians in local affairs. The specific rules governing ex-officio members, such as their voting rights and eligibility criteria, are determined by state laws, leading to variations across different states. The Telangana State Election Commission (SEC) plays a crucial role in conducting free and fair elections to local bodies in the state. The SEC's powers are derived from Article 243K and 243ZA of the Constitution, which mandate the establishment of State Election Commissions to oversee elections to Panchayats and Municipalities, respectively. These articles ensure the autonomy and independence of the SEC in discharging its duties.

Latest Developments

Recent trends indicate a growing emphasis on the role of independent councilors and smaller parties in local elections. With hung verdicts becoming more common, these actors often hold the balance of power and can play a decisive role in government formation. This has led to increased competition among major political parties to secure their support. The Telangana State Election Commission's clarification regarding the eligibility of ex-officio members reflects an effort to ensure fairness and prevent undue influence in local elections. By restricting co-option to registered voters within the municipality or corporation limits, the SEC aims to maintain the integrity of the electoral process. This decision has implications for political parties, as it limits their ability to leverage the support of MPs and MLCs who are not registered voters in the relevant jurisdictions. Looking ahead, the focus is likely to be on strengthening the financial autonomy of local bodies and enhancing their capacity to deliver essential services. The recommendations of various finance commissions, both at the central and state levels, will be crucial in determining the allocation of resources to local governments. Additionally, initiatives such as the Smart Cities Mission and the AMRUT scheme are expected to play a significant role in improving urban infrastructure and governance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are ex-officio members and why are they important in the context of Telangana's Mayor elections?

Ex-officio members are individuals who are members of a body by virtue of holding another office. In Telangana's Mayor elections, Rajya Sabha members, MLCs, and MLAs are ex-officio members. Their votes can be decisive in hung verdicts, where no single party has a clear majority.

2. What are the key facts and figures to remember about the recent Telangana municipal elections for the UPSC Prelims exam?

Key facts include the hung verdicts in 36 municipalities and municipal corporations, the Congress winning 244 wards (37.4%), the BRS winning 238 wards (36.4%), and the BJP winning 95 wards (14.5%). Also, remember the role of ex-officio members (Rajya Sabha, MLCs, MLAs) and the SEC's regulations regarding their voting eligibility.

Exam Tip

Focus on the percentages of wards won by each party and the number of municipalities with hung verdicts. This is important for factual MCQs.

3. How does the Telangana State Election Commission (SEC) regulate the eligibility of ex-officio members in Mayor elections?

The Telangana SEC has clarified that only registered voters within the municipality or corporation limits can be co-opted as ex-officio members. This restricts the ability of MPs and MLCs to vote freely outside their registered jurisdictions.

4. Why is the role of ex-officio members in Telangana's municipal elections currently in the news?

The role of ex-officio members is in the news because 36 municipalities and municipal corporations in Telangana have hung verdicts. This makes the votes of ex-officio members crucial in determining who becomes Mayor or Municipal Chairperson.

5. What is the significance of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts in the context of local elections and ex-officio members?

The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Acts of 1992 aimed to strengthen local self-governance by granting constitutional status to Panchayats and Municipalities. These amendments devolved powers and resources to local bodies, but the role of ex-officio members is a separate aspect that influences the dynamics of local leadership selection.

6. In the context of hung municipalities, what are the potential pros and cons of allowing ex-officio members to vote in Mayor elections?

Pros include ensuring broader representation and potentially more stable coalitions. Cons include the possibility of undue influence from state-level politicians and the potential for manipulation of local election outcomes. It can also lead to accusations of undermining the mandate of locally elected councilors.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the role of ex-officio members in municipal elections in Telangana: 1. Ex-officio members include Rajya Sabha members, MLCs, and MLAs who are registered voters within the municipality or corporation limits. 2. The Telangana State Election Commission (SEC) allows MPs and MLCs to freely vote outside their registered jurisdictions in these elections. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 only
B.2 only
C.Both 1 and 2
D.Neither 1 nor 2

Show Answer

Answer: A

Statement 1 is CORRECT: The news explicitly states that ex-officio members include Rajya Sabha members, MLCs, and MLAs who are registered voters within the municipality or corporation limits. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: The Telangana SEC has clarified that only registered voters within the municipality or corporation limits can be co-opted as ex-officio members, restricting MPs and MLCs from freely voting outside their registered jurisdictions.

2. Which of the following statements accurately reflects the party-wise performance in the recent Telangana municipal elections, as mentioned in the news?

A.The BRS emerged as the single largest party with 244 wards.
B.The Congress secured 95 wards, making it the third-largest party.
C.The BJP won 238 wards, positioning it as the second-largest party.
D.The Congress emerged as the single largest party with 244 wards.

Show Answer

Answer: D

Option D is CORRECT: The Congress emerged as the single largest party with 244 wards (37.4%), as stated in the news. Option A is INCORRECT: The BRS secured 238 wards, not 244. Option B is INCORRECT: The BJP secured 95 wards, but the Congress is the largest party. Option C is INCORRECT: The BRS secured 238 wards, not the BJP.

3. Which of the following constitutional amendments provided constitutional status to the Municipalities?

A.72nd Amendment Act
B.73rd Amendment Act
C.74th Amendment Act
D.75th Amendment Act

Show Answer

Answer: C

Option C is CORRECT: The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992 provided constitutional status to Municipalities. The 73rd Amendment Act is related to Panchayats.