Vote counting for the Jubilee Hills Assembly by-election commenced at 8 AM on Friday at the Kotla Vijayabhaskar Reddy Stadium. A total of 42 tables have been set up for the process, beginning with postal ballots before moving on to EVM votes. Officials started with the Shaikpet division and expect early trends to emerge by around 10 AM. The final result is likely to be declared between 1 PM and 2 PM, depending on the pace of counting.
Most exit polls have projected a slight advantage for the Congress, indicating a closely fought contest with the BRS. The predicted vote difference ranges between 3% and 8%, while the BJP is expected to finish in third place. Polling officials said the by-election has drawn significant public attention, given the narrow margins suggested by pre-poll surveys.
Congress candidate Naveen Yadav expressed confidence ahead of the counting, asserting that he would secure a decisive victory. He claimed a strong lead from the very first round and predicted a winning margin of over 45,000 votes. Before the process began, Yadav visited the Balkampet Yellamma temple with his family to offer prayers for a favourable outcome.