The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has clinched the chairperson position of Khanapur municipality in Telangana with support from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). The election for this post in Nirmal district took place under tight security on Sunday.
Ankham Mounika, the BJP candidate, emerged as the chairperson after receiving backing from both BJP and BRS councillors. A mutual agreement between the two parties led to the election of Mohammad Shoaib from BRS as the vice-chairperson.
Khanapur witnessed a split verdict in the urban local body polls held in February, with BRS and BJP securing four seats each in the 12-member municipal council. The ruling Congress party obtained three seats, and an independent candidate also became a councillor.
With additional support from an independent councillor and an ex-officio vote, the Congress party’s strength increased to five. Despite this, the BJP managed to secure the chairperson post with the backing of three BRS councillors, while also aiding the BRS candidate in becoming the vice-chairperson.
This victory marks the BJP’s attainment of power in the second municipality within the state. Meanwhile, Congress MLA Vedma Bhojju criticized the BJP-BRS alliance, labeling it as ‘love jihad’ and accusing the parties of using threats to influence the election.
BJP state president N. Ramchander Rao celebrated the win in Khanapur, highlighting the party’s success amidst what he described as undemocratic tactics employed by Congress. He praised the dedication of BJP workers, emphasizing the symbolic blooming of the lotus, the party’s symbol.
