Polling for the Jubilee Hills By-election is underway. Though 58 candidates are contesting, the main battle is between the Congress, BRS, and BJP.
Among them, Maganti Sunitha of BRS and Naveen Yadav of Congress are seen as the key contenders. The election results will be announced on November 14.
Media outlets have dubbed this one of the most expensive elections ever, with reports suggesting freebies worth over ₹100–120 crore would be distributed in the 48 hours before polling.
However, voters appear disappointed. According to reliable sources, Congress distributed around ₹2,500 per vote, while BRS offered ₹1,000 in most areas and an additional ₹1,000 in smaller bastis and colonies. BJP, with limited chances of winning, reportedly refrained from distributing money.
The constituency has a population of about four lakh, but actual voters are estimated to be fewer than two lakh, as many residents are registered elsewhere. Insiders claim cash distribution may have reached only around 30,000 voters, largely due to the area’s educated and affluent demographics.
Apart from money, civic issues such as roads, drainage, waste management, power supply, and water availability are expected to influence voter decisions this time.
Historically, Jubilee Hills records a low voter turnout 50.18% in 2014, 45.59% in 2018, and 47.58% in 2023. It remains to be seen how the turnout shapes up today.
