Hyderabad: Polling for the Jubilee Hills Assembly constituency by-election began peacefully at 7 am on Tuesday. Before voting commenced, election staff conducted mock polling in the presence of party agents, sealed the EVMs and VVPATs, and then opened the booths for voters. The voting process will continue until 6 pm.
Jubilee Hills by-election sees triangular contest
In total, 4,01,365 voters will decide the outcome of this key by-election. Fifty-eight candidates entered the contest, and a clear triangular fight has emerged between Congress candidate Naveen Yadav, BRS nominee Sunitha, and BJP contender Lankala Deepak Reddy. Moreover, election officials arranged 407 polling stations across 139 locations to ensure better voter access. Around 5,000 staff members are managing the process efficiently to keep the polling smooth and orderly.
Drone surveillance and tight security in place
Meanwhile, security arrangements remained tight throughout the constituency. To maintain order, 1,761 police personnel and 800 central force members took charge of law enforcement. In addition, authorities introduced drone surveillance to oversee polling activity in all 139 zones. Furthermore, they imposed Section 144 around every polling station to prevent gatherings and disturbances.
So far, polling continued steadily through the morning. However, officials observed a slow voter turnout in some localities. Therefore, the Election Commission urged citizens to vote early and make full use of their right before 6 pm.
BRS candidate Maganti Sunitha casts her vote
BRS candidate Maganti Sunitha set an early example by casting her vote along with her family at a polling booth in Navodaya Colony, Yellareddyguda. Her participation, according to officials, encouraged several voters in the area to step out and cast their votes. Consequently, polling gained momentum as the day progressed.