Hyderabad: The Jubilee Hills by-election has become a high-stakes contest attracting attention across the country. The key battle is between the BRS and Congress, with BJP and a total of 58 candidates also in the fray. The by-election was necessitated by the death of BRS MLA Maganti Gopinath. Polling is scheduled for November 11, with results to be announced on November 14, while election campaigning concludes this Sunday evening. BRS has fielded Gopinath’s wife, Maganti Sunitha, Congress has nominated Naveen Yadav, and BJP is contesting with Lankal Deepak Reddy. All three parties are treating the election as a prestige battle.
BRS Pushes Development and Welfare Agenda
BRS is aggressively campaigning to retain Jubilee Hills, considered a key constituency, with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy personally leading the effort. While state ministers are actively involved, Revanth Reddy has focused on roadshows and visits across all seven divisions, highlighting Rs 300 crore in development works and ongoing welfare schemes. The party has also criticized Congress for failing to fulfill promises over multiple terms, targeting leaders including KCR, KTR, and Harish Rao.
Congress Faces Criticism Over Unfulfilled Promises
Congress is under pressure for not implementing welfare schemes, including Rs 2,500 for women, pension enhancements, scooters for girls, and Batukamma sarees. Allegations of unfair treatment to auto drivers under the free bus scheme have added to voter dissatisfaction, particularly among women and minorities.
BJP and Independents Struggle to Make Impact
BJP’s campaign, led by Union Minister Kishan Reddy and other senior leaders, has lagged due to late candidate selection and limited local support. Independent candidates, though numerous, have had minimal campaign presence, with some contesting to highlight unemployment and protest government policies.
Final Phase Sees Voter Incentives and Cash Appeals
In the final phase of campaigning, reports of cash and welfare item distribution have emerged. Both major parties are alleged to be providing incentives to voters in key divisions such as Borabanda, Rahmatnagar, NRR Puram, Indiranagar, and others. The effectiveness of these efforts will be reflected in the results on November 14, making voter behavior in these areas crucial for all parties.