The voting turnout in the Old City of Hyderabad was low, suggesting a possible decline in popularity for the AIMIM party. Despite a strong campaign by the MIM and the Owaisi brothers, only 30% of voters turned out to vote. According to the Election Commission, the voting percentage in different areas of the city varied, with Yakutpura having the lowest turnout at 27.87% and Karwan having the highest at 40.49%.
There was a lack of enthusiasm among voters, resulting in the low turnout. Many polling stations in the Old City were empty, with only a few booths seeing some voters and queues. Despite efforts by election authorities, public representatives, candidates, and police to encourage voter turnout, residents of areas like Malakpet, Nampally, Uppuguda, and others chose to stay indoors.
Some parts of the Old City, such as Moghalpura and Chandrayangutta, had a moderate level of voting. One voter mentioned that they were able to cast their vote quickly due to the low turnout at their polling station.
There were clashes between political parties at several polling stations. Allegations of bogus voting and expletive exchanges between party workers were reported. In one instance, there was a clash between MIM and MBT at a polling booth in Talabkatta, leading to the detention of candidates from both parties. Allegations of bogus voting and police favoritism were made by candidates from different parties.
In Chanchalguda, two party workers were arrested for distributing voter slips with MIM symbols. Tension also arose in Nampally and Charminar due to complaints of bogus voting, resulting in the detention of individuals from MIM and Congress parties.
Overall, the low voter turnout in the Old City of Hyderabad raises questions about the popularity and influence of the AIMIM party.
