SURYAPET – Bikumalli Manjula, the mother of Colonel Bikumalla Santosh Babu—who was martyred during the 2020 Galwan Valley clash—has officially entered the political arena. She filed her nomination papers on January 30, 2026, to contest the upcoming municipal elections in her hometown of Suryapet.
Backed by the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), Manjula will be contesting for Ward 44 of the Suryapet Municipality.
A Transition from Honor to Service
Manjula’s decision to enter public life is deeply rooted in the support her family received after the tragic loss of her son. Colonel Santosh Babu, the Commanding Officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment, was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra (India’s second-highest wartime gallantry honor) in November 2021 for his “exceptional bravery and leadership.”
The Political Connection:
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Party Allegiance: She is contesting on a BRS ticket, citing the support provided by former Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR). Following the Galwan incident, the then-BRS government provided the family with ₹5 crore ex-gratia, a residential plot, and a Group-I job (Deputy Collector) for the Colonel’s wife, Santoshi.
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Her Mission: “My son laid down his life for the country. As a mother, I now want to work for the development of the people in my area,” she stated during her campaign launch.
Telangana Local Body Polls: Key Dates
Manjula’s electoral debut is part of a massive statewide democratic exercise. The Telangana State Election Commission is conducting polls across 116 municipalities and 7 municipal corporations.
| Event | Scheduled Date |
| Polling Day | February 11, 2026 |
| Counting of Votes | February 13, 2026 |
| Results Declaration | February 13, 2026 (Evening) |
| Mayoral/Chairperson Polls | February 16, 2026 |
Strategic Importance of Suryapet
Suryapet has become a symbolic stronghold for the BRS, particularly after the significant infrastructure development seen under the previous regime, including a new medical college and lake restoration projects. Manjula’s candidacy is seen as a move by the BRS to tap into the local sentiment of national pride and regional development.
As the campaign enters its final week, all eyes are on Ward 44 to see if the “Galwan Hero’s” mother can successfully transition his legacy of military service into a mandate for local governance.
