Hyderabad, February 10, 2026 : The Telangana Government has officially declared Wednesday, February 11, 2026, a mandatory paid holiday to boost voter turnout for the upcoming Urban Local Body (ULB) elections. This directive applies to all employees in the private and public sectors within the polling jurisdictions of 123 urban local bodies.

Quick Guide: Telangana Municipal Polls 2026

Mandatory Paid Leave for Private & IT Sector Employees

Under special orders from the Labour and Employment Department, the holiday is a legal requirement for workers in factories, shops, commercial establishments, and industries.

In line with Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, employers are prohibited from deducting wages for this absence. Companies, particularly in the IT corridors and industrial hubs surrounding the 32 districts, have been instructed to ensure employees have sufficient time to cast their ballots. Failure to comply can result in statutory penalties and fines.

Closure of Schools and Government Offices

The Telangana State Election Commission (TSEC) has directed District Collectors to declare a local holiday for:

• All Government and Private Educational Institutions (Schools/Colleges).

• Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and Cooperative Institutions.

• Government offices serving as polling centers or counting stations.

Note: Hyderabad is excluded from this specific polling phase. The 123 ULBs include major corporations such as Karimnagar, Nizamabad, and Ramagundam.

High-Stakes Triangular Contest

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has framed this election as a critical litmus test for his administration, marking a high-voltage triangular battle between the Congress, BRS, and BJP. With 2,996 municipal wards up for grabs, the TSEC has deployed 8,203 polling stations to accommodate over 52 lakh eligible voters.

Polling will be conducted via ballot papers. Following the 48-hour silence period that began on February 9, security has been tightened across the state to ensure the Model Code of Conduct is strictly upheld.

What Happens Next?

• February 13: Counting of votes and immediate result declaration.

• February 16: Indirect elections for Mayors, Chairpersons, and Deputies.

Stay tuned to PingTV for live, real-time updates on voter turnout and ward-wise results on polling day.

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