BRS candidate Maganti Sunitha has accused the ruling Congress of rigging during the Jubilee Hills by-election. She alleged that several polling booths witnessed malpractice and that rowdysheeters were present, creating fear among women voters.
Speaking to the media, Sunitha claimed that Congress workers were distributing gifts and money to lure voters even while polling was in progress. She questioned the presence of Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka and Chief Whip Beerla Ilaiyya at polling locations, alleging that their visit violated election norms.
Both BRS and Congress have filed complaints against each other with the Election Commission. Sunitha further alleged that Congress MLAs and MLCs were attempting to influence voters through promises and that non-local leaders were distributing money in violation of the election code.
Sunitha also claimed that one of Naveen Yadav’s men threatened her, saying they would “deal with her after polling day.” She accused Congress supporters of releasing bulls in the area to scare voters and said that police officers threatened to arrest her when she went to inspect the situation.
According to her, BRS agents were being harassed, with police removing their chairs and tables from polling centres. She also alleged that the BRS office in Borabanda was attacked and urged the Election Commission to take immediate action.
Meanwhile, Hyderabad Police Commissioner VC Sajjanar stated that security measures were being closely monitored. For the first time, drones were deployed to oversee polling activity, with 150 drone cameras used to ensure safety around booths.
As of 3 pm, voter turnout in Jubilee Hills stood at 40.20 percent, reflecting a relatively slow pace of polling amid the day’s tensions.
