Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy alleges Telangana government violated Census and Election Commission norms by dividing GHMC and other civic bodies during polls.

Hyderabad: Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy on Wednesday strongly criticised the Telangana government for carving out new municipal corporations, calling the move unlawful and procedurally flawed. He alleged that the division of Hyderabad, Gajwel and Nalgonda civic bodies was carried out despite clear restrictions issued after the Census notification.

Addressing the media, the BJP leader said national-level instructions explicitly bar changes to revenue villages and wards between December 31, 2025 and May 2027. Ignoring these guidelines, he claimed, the state went ahead with restructuring municipalities, including the proposed split of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation into three units, allegedly breaching Election Commission rules during an active poll period.

Reddy further argued that the expansion was poorly planned, with far-flung villages added to urban corporations without matching financial resources or infrastructure roadmaps. Such decisions, he said, risk hurting poorer communities that had benefited from rural welfare schemes.

He also accused the Congress government of acting without public consultation and selectively redrawing boundaries for political gain, alleging pressure from AIMIM in certain areas. On the election front, Reddy claimed money was openly distributed near polling stations and alleged inaction by authorities despite complaints.

Analysis: The remarks underline a growing legal and political battle over urban governance in Telangana, especially as civic polls intensify scrutiny of administrative decisions. While the government has defended the restructuring as developmental, opposition leaders are framing it as a violation of democratic and constitutional norms—an issue likely to echo beyond the current elections.