Polling for the much-watched Jubilee Hills by-election began at 7 a.m. and will continue until 6 p.m. Around 4,01,365 voters are eligible to cast their vote across 407 polling stations. The contest has turned into a triangular fight among the BRS, Congress, and BJP, with 58 candidates in the fray. Over 5,000 polling staff and nearly 2,500 police personnel, including central forces, have been deployed to ensure smooth conduct.
Technical Glitches and Slow Turnout
Voting in the morning began with a few hiccups as several Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) malfunctioned in areas such as Rahmath Nagar, Borabanda, and Shaikpet. Polling officers replaced the faulty machines quickly, but the disruptions led to minor delays. Early voting was sluggish, with turnout hovering around 9 per cent by 9:00 a.m. Officials urged citizens to come out and vote, while party workers provided free transport in several colonies to boost participation.
Cash-for-Votes Allegations Erupt
As voting intensified, tensions escalated across multiple divisions. Both the Congress and BRS accused each other of distributing money to lure voters. Videos allegedly showing cash transactions in Vengalrao Nagar and Rahmath Nagar went viral on social media. BRS leader Bollam Mallayya accused Congress of blatant misuse of power and claimed the police were turning a blind eye. Meanwhile, Congress leaders countered that BRS workers were the ones offering cash to voters.
Clashes and Complaints Keep Police Busy
Scuffles were reported in Borabanda’s Swaraj Nagar between Congress and BRS cadres. BRS candidate Maganti Sunitha expressed anger after police allegedly stopped her from inspecting a polling station. She accused law enforcement of siding with the ruling party. In another incident, BJP candidate Lanka Deepak Reddy claimed Congress workers attacked BJYM activists and alleged irregularities in EVM serial numbers.
Celebrities and Candidates Cast Their Votes
Several prominent figures, including filmmaker S.S. Rajamouli and actor Tanikella Bharani, were among the early voters. Congress candidate Naveen Yadav voted in Yousufguda and said he expected voter turnout to cross 60 percent this time, driven largely by youth enthusiasm.
Election Commission Takes Notice
The Election Commission has reportedly taken a serious view of non-local leaders visiting polling booths and influencing voters. It has directed action against a few MLAs and MLCs spotted near polling stations. Despite scattered tensions and charges of malpractice, officials maintained that polling remained peaceful overall, with security stepped up in sensitive areas.
