Telangana Legislative Council Polls: AIMIM Wins Hyderabad Local Authorities Seat
In a significant political development, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has secured a decisive victory in the Telangana Legislative Council elections for the Hyderabad Local Authorities constituency. AIMIM candidate Mirza Riyaz Ul Hassan Effendi triumphed over Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) nominee N. Gautham Rao by a margin of 38 votes.
Election Overview
The biennial election was necessitated by the impending completion of the term of sitting member M.S. Prabhakar Rao on May 1. The voting took place on April 23, 2025, with the results announced on April 25. The electorate comprised 112 eligible voters, including Members of Parliament (MPs), Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs), and corporators from the Hyderabad district.
The voter turnout was notably high at 78.5%, reflecting the significance attributed to this election by the participating political entities.
Political Dynamics
The contest primarily featured AIMIM and BJP, as both the ruling Congress and the main opposition Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) chose not to field candidates. Notably, the Congress, possessing 14 votes, extended its support to the Hyderabad-based AIMIM, bolstering the latter’s prospects.
AIMIM entered the fray with a strong base of 49 votes, comprising seven MLAs, one MLC, one Lok Sabha MP, and 40 corporators from the Hyderabad district. This existing support, combined with the Congress’s backing, positioned AIMIM favorably even before the polls commenced.
The BRS’s decision to abstain from the election further influenced the dynamics, effectively narrowing the contest to a direct face-off between AIMIM and BJP.
Candidate Profile: Mirza Riyaz Ul Hassan Effendi
Mirza Riyaz Ul Hassan Effendi, the victorious AIMIM candidate, is a seasoned politician with deep roots in Hyderabad’s political landscape. His candidacy was emblematic of AIMIM’s strategy to consolidate its influence in the region, leveraging experienced leadership to appeal to the electorate.
Implications of the Victory
AIMIM’s win in the Hyderabad Local Authorities constituency reinforces its political stronghold in the region. The party’s ability to secure additional support from the Congress indicates a potential for strategic alliances that could influence future electoral outcomes.
For BJP, the loss underscores the challenges of expanding its footprint in areas where regional parties like AIMIM have entrenched support. The outcome may prompt a reassessment of strategies to engage with the local electorate more effectively.
