Hyderabad: With the Jubilee Hills bypoll election approaching, all eyes are now on the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) and its decision on whether to field a candidate or stay away from the contest. The party’s move could significantly influence the outcome, especially with around 1.6 lakh Muslim voters in the constituency.
Sources within AIMIM suggest that discussions are underway, and a few names are currently being considered. Faraz Rasheed, the Shaikpet corporator who earlier contested the 2023 Assembly elections, is among the prominent contenders. Another strong name doing the rounds is Mohammed Naseeruddin, the Nanal Nagar corporator known for his grassroots connect. Anwar Sadad, an active AIMIM leader, is also being mentioned as a possible choice.
However, there are also reports that the party leadership might introduce a new face this time, keeping the element of surprise intact. At the same time, some insiders hint that AIMIM might even skip the bypoll, depending on the larger political calculations and its alliance equations.
Currently, BRS candidate Maganti Sunita is being seen as the frontrunner, while Naveen Yadav is set to contest from the Congress. On the BJP side, Deepak has been announced as the candidate. If AIMIM decides to field its own nominee, analysts believe it could split the Muslim vote, leading to a close and unpredictable contest.
Adding another layer to the political mix, Salman from HYC has entered the race as an independent candidate. He has been drawing attention among younger voters in the area, though political observers believe his history-sheet background could limit his support base.
With multiple contenders eyeing the influential Muslim vote bank, the Jubilee Hills bypoll is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched political battles in Hyderabad.
