Hyderabad is gearing up for heightened political activity as the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced the by-election schedule for the Jubilee Hills Assembly constituency. The election process begins with the notification on October 13, allowing candidates to start filing their nomination papers. Nominations must be submitted by October 21, with scrutiny scheduled for October 22. Candidates can withdraw their nominations until October 24. Voting will occur on November 11, and results will be declared on November 14. The by-election is due to the passing of BRS MLA Maganti Gopinath.
The BRS has already announced Maganti Sunitha, Gopinath’s wife, as their candidate. Meanwhile, the Congress is waiting for approval on a shortlist of three to four potential candidates, including Naveen Yadav and former mayor Bonthu Ram Mohan. The BJP has formed a committee to decide on its candidate.
This by-election is crucial for the three major political parties in the state. The ruling party aims to demonstrate its growing support in the city, while the BRS seeks to maintain its influence in Greater Hyderabad. Although the Congress governs the state, the BRS has a strong presence in the state capital. The BJP, holding just one seat in Goshamahal, hopes to showcase its increasing strength. BRS leaders, including working president KT Rama Rao, are using “Baki Cards” to remind voters of unfulfilled promises by the ruling party.
The updated voters list indicates there are 3,99,000 voters in Jubilee Hills, consisting of 2,07,382 males, 1,91,593 females, and 25 others. The initial list from September 2 recorded 3,92,669 voters. After revisions, 6,976 new voters were added, and 663 were removed. Including service voters, the total remains 3,99,000. The constituency will have 139 polling locations and 407 polling stations.
