AIMIM Secures Strong Win in Hyderabad MLC Polls with Congress Backing

In a closely watched political face-off, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) emerged victorious in the Hyderabad Local Authorities constituency Member of Legislative Council (MLC) election. Party candidate Mirza Riyaz Ul Hassan Effendi clinched the win by defeating BJP’s N Gautham Rao by a margin of 38 votes.

The election, held on April 23, witnessed a robust voter turnout of 78.5 percent. A total of 112 voters — including MPs, MLAs, MLCs, and corporators from Hyderabad district — cast their ballots in this biennial election, which was triggered by the upcoming end of MLC M S Prabhakar Rao’s term on May 1.

Even before polling day, the numbers had tilted in AIMIM's favor. With 49 votes from its own ranks — comprising MLAs, an MLC, a Lok Sabha MP, and 40 corporators — the party had a significant head start. Congress, which held 14 votes, extended its support to AIMIM without contesting the election itself, further cementing the odds.

The BJP stepped into the contest aiming to challenge the dominant position of AIMIM and prevent an uncontested win. Despite putting up a spirited fight, the numbers didn’t work in its favor. The party’s 29 votes from corporators and legislators fell short.

Meanwhile, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), which commands 20 votes, chose to stay out of the fray entirely. The party instructed its members to abstain from voting, carefully sidestepping any alignment that might be perceived as favoring either of the key rivals. Their neutral stance was seen as a strategic move amidst the shifting political alliances.

Vote counting began on April 25 under tight security, with arrangements including CCTV monitoring, designated counting tables, and a visible police presence to ensure transparency and order.

With this win, AIMIM reinforces its political footprint in Hyderabad, signaling continued strength in the local landscape and setting the tone for future political dynamics in the region.