The Jubilee Hills assembly seat fell vacant after MLA Maganti Gopinath passed away, leading to high interest over who will contest the upcoming by-election. As Gopinath belonged to the BRS, the party is considering fielding his wife to gain sympathy votes. The contest is expected to be between the ruling Congress and the opposition BRS.
In the 2023 elections, Telangana Congress failed to win any seat in Hyderabad. However, after the death of MLA Lasya Nanditha in a road accident, it won the Secunderabad Cantonment seat. Now, the party is determined to capture the prestigious Jubilee Hills seat. Reports suggest CM Revanth Reddy has approached Chiranjeevi, urging him to contest, given his past association with Congress.
Chiranjeevi had founded the Praja Rajyam Party, later merged it with Congress, and served as a Union Minister in the Congress-led government. If he declines, there are rumours that actor Nagarjuna could be the next choice. Many film stars reside in Jubilee Hills, most of them Andhra settlers, which could benefit Congress if it selects a popular face.
From within Congress, Mohd Azharuddin and Naveen Yadav are also in the race. Azharuddin, despite losing in previous elections, recently met Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, sharing photos online. Naveen Yadav is known for his film industry connections. The final decision rests with the party High Command, and the candidate is expected to be named once the by-election date is announced.
