On February 10, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) council formally concluded its term, with a special officer now tasked with overseeing the civic body’s functions until a new council is elected. Speculation about the trifurcation of the corporation raises questions about the timeline for these elections, which, according to regulations, should occur within six months of the council’s expiration-potentially as soon as August.
The outgoing council, elected in December 2020 following the devastating floods that struck Hyderabad in October of that year, experienced significant political shifts. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) capitalized on public discontent at that time, dramatically increasing its seats from four to 48, while the ruling Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) suffered a notable loss, dropping 43 seats.
Despite these changes, the council’s performance has drawn criticism for inadequate discussions on pressing civic issues. Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi, who transitioned from BRS to Congress, frequently suspended meetings due to heated protests and disputes among opposition parties, even leading to a dramatic walkout by civic officials protesting perceived humiliation.
Throughout its five years, the council faced allegations of prioritizing party loyalty over public service. Few members took a stand against the decisions imposed by successive state governments, including controversial mergers with peripheral corporations that occurred with little input from the mayor or council members. The absence of ward committees, which are essential for addressing local issues, further exemplified a lack of accountability. These committees, which should operate under the corporator’s leadership, were never formed during the entire term, leading to unaddressed community concerns.
Despite criticisms, the GHMC released a statement claiming that under Mayor Vijayalakshmi and Deputy Mayor Mothe Srilatha Shoban Reddy, the council made significant strides in various sectors, including infrastructure development, flood mitigation, social empowerment, and biodiversity conservation. According to their report, a total of 23,287 developmental projects were completed over the five years, with a financial outlay of ₹5,117 crore. The achievements highlighted include the construction of rainwater harvesting systems, improvements to traffic junctions, foot overbridge installations, extensive afforestation efforts, and initiatives aimed at empowering women.
As Hyderabad awaits the announcement of elections and the potential restructuring of the GHMC, the public is left to ponder the effectiveness of their chosen representatives and the legacy of the outgoing council. The focus now turns to the future and whether the next council will prioritize civic interests over political agendas.
Hyderabad’s civic landscape faces uncertainty, but there remains hope for a more engaged and responsive governance structure in the upcoming electoral cycle. The events leading to this juncture will undoubtedly shape the city’s governance and development for years to come.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/ghmc-councils-term-ends-all-sound-and-fury-signifying-nothing/article70615838.ece
Category : Hyderabad
Tags:
Publish Date: 2026-02-10 21:44:00
