Hyderabad: Following the demise of MLA Maganti Gopinath, the Election Commission officially released the notification for the Jubilee Hills by-election today, initiating the nomination process. On the first day, ten candidates submitted their nominations, including two from registered parties and eight independents. Pooja Srinivas filed on behalf of the Telangana Punar Nirman Samithi, while Arvapalli Srinivas Rao represented the Navataram Party. Independent contenders included Chalik Chandrasekhar, Sapavat Suman, Siliveru Sreekanth, Pesarakayal Prakash Reddy, Vemula Vikram Reddy, Ibrahim Khan, along with two others.
Hyderabad District Election Officer Karnan held a press briefing, confirming that nominations will be accepted until October 21, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. He also stated that a 100-meter restriction would be enforced around the Returning Officer’s office, prohibiting rallies in this area. Karnan highlighted that around 4,000 election personnel are deployed and 45 sensitive locations within the constituency have been identified for special monitoring.
Ahead of the bypoll, major political parties have intensified their campaigns. The ruling BRS Party is striving to retain the seat and has nominated the late Maganti Gopinath’s wife, Sunitha, as its candidate, planning for her formal nomination on October 15. The Congress Party has selected Naveen Yadav as its candidate, who has already commenced campaigning across the constituency.
The BJP’s candidate is yet to be finalized, with several names under consideration by the party high command. The final decision on the BJP nominee is awaited, setting the stage for a keenly contested Jubilee Hills by-election, which is expected to draw significant attention from both voters and political observers.