Hyderabad: The Election Commission has intensified preparations for the upcoming Jubilee Hills by-election, necessitated by the passing of BRS MLA Maganti Gopinath. The seat, previously held by the BRS, is seen as a prestige contest, while Congress views it as an opportunity to gain ground, making the election highly competitive.
Hyderabad District Election Officer and GHMC Commissioner R.V. Karnan has appointed key nodal officers to oversee various aspects of the election. Khairatabad Zonal Commissioner Anurag Jayanti has been named nodal officer for overall election management, while Kukatpally Zonal Commissioner Apoorva Chauhan will handle EVM and VVPAT operations. CTO Srinivas will oversee transport management, LB Nagar Zonal Commissioner Hemant Keshav Patil will manage training, and Additional Commissioner K. Venugopal will be responsible for material management.
Additional SP (Vigilance) M. Sudarshan has been appointed as MCC nodal officer, DSP Narasimha Reddy will manage law and order, vulnerable mapping, and district security plans, and Additional Commissioner (Finance) B. Geetha Radhika will handle expenditure monitoring. Assistant Veterinary Officer Wilson will serve as election observer, Secunderabad Zonal Commissioner Ravi Kiran as dummy ballot paper nodal officer, and CPRO M. Dasharath will manage media communication. IT Joint Commissioner C. Radha will oversee cybersecurity and computerization, with IT AE Karthik Kiran and IT AE Tirumala Kumar responsible for helpline, complaint redressal, and webcasting.
On polling station rationalization, Karnan has asked political parties to submit objections by August 26. A special meeting at the GHMC headquarters reviewed the summary revision process. The total number of proposed polling stations has increased from 320 to 408, with 79 new stations added and polling coverage expanding from 132 to 139 areas.