Independents Emerge as Kingmakers in Municipal Elections; Parties Hunt for Support

• Independent candidates are now a decisive force in urban and municipal elections, especially where parties may lack a clear majority.
• Major parties are actively negotiating with independents, offering financial support, election expense coverage, and even significant cash offers.
• Promises of key positions like Chairman, Vice-Chairman, or co-option members are being made to secure independent support.
• Districts like Warangal, Mahabubnagar, and Adilabad are seeing intense competition for independents, with predictions of their strong performance.
• Parties are preparing 'camp politics' to move winning independents to resorts immediately after counting to prevent poaching.