1. Congress retains Jubilee Hills with a thumping 24,000+ majority, boosting its confidence for 2028.
2. BRS finishes second but positions itself as the main alternative, sharpening its opposition strategy.
3. BJP loses deposit, raising questions about its state-level traction despite national strength.
4. Analysts say all three parties must move beyond by-poll theatrics and work for state's progress and people’s issues.

Jubilee Hills — known until now simply as one of Hyderabad’s most popular neighbourhoods — has, over the past month, turned into the most discussed political hotspot in Telangana. The recent by poll triggered unprecedented attention, with a fierce campaign unfolding between major parties. While the results brought joy to some and surprise to others, the overall outcome once again reflected the broader political mood seen in earlier by-elections: a clear advantage for the ruling party.

Despite showcasing a charged campaign aimed at improving its winning prospects, the BRS could not convert its efforts into victory. The Congress secured the Jubilee Hills seat with a margin of over 24,000 votes, while the BRS held on to the second position with respectable numbers. The BJP, however, slipped further, losing its deposit.

Political analysts caution that the Jubilee Hills by poll cannot be viewed in isolation as a mere verdict of one constituency. Instead, its outcome carries deeper significance for the Congress, BRS, and BJP — all of whom see this contest as a semi-final ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections. Jubilee Hills voters reaffirmed the existing political structure: Congress in power, BRS in opposition, and BJP in a distant third. With this clarity, all three parties are expected to recalibrate their strategies for the final battle in 2028.

Congress projects its governance track record

Despite championing the Telangana statehood movement, the BRS ultimately ceded power to Congress in 2023 — largely due to anti-incumbency and the appeal of Congress’ election promises. As the Congress government approaches two years in office by December 9, the Jubilee Hills by poll became an opportunity for it to highlight its welfare programmes, economic initiatives, and development agenda.

Confidently projecting a long-term vision until 2034, Congress leaders showcased what has been delivered so far and what is planned next. With the by poll victory boosting morale, the ruling party is moving ahead with renewed energy, preparing early for the 2028 Assembly election and aiming to consolidate its mandate.

BRS eyes alternative space from opposition

After ruling Telangana for a decade, the BRS moved into the opposition following the 2023 Assembly elections. Since then, it has consistently taken on the Congress government, raising concerns over unfulfilled promises and spotlighting public grievances. During the Jubilee Hills by poll campaign, the BRS strongly criticised the state’s lapses and sought to rally support through issue-based outreach.

However, the party failed to retain its sitting seat, losing by over 24,000 votes. Still., the BRS remains determined to convert its opposition role into an advantage. The party continues to claim that Telangana people view it as the real alternative to Congress, and it is preparing to strengthen this belief further before 2028. Though the “semi-final” in Jubilee Hills ended in defeat, the BRS is focusing on delivering strong opposition and gaining public trust in the lead-up to the final contest.

BJP’s ideological pitch faces Telangana reality check

While the BJP enjoys significant influence at the national level and in several states, its growth in Telangana has been uneven. The party banks heavily on its Hindutva-driven political strategy, which helped it secure eight Lok Sabha seats from Telangana. But translating that success into Assembly-level gains continues to be a challenge.

The Jubilee Hills by poll once again highlighted this gap: the BJP, which secured its deposit in the 2023 Assembly elections, lost it this time. Despite projecting central support for Telangana, asserting improved funding, and highlighting ministerial berths for MPs from the state, the message did not resonate. Telangana’s distinct political landscape and its mismatch with BJP’s ideological framework remain key barriers. Still, the party believes it will get its “turn” in the coming years and continues operating under the slogan: “Everyone has had power — now give us a chance.”

Way forward for all Parties

The Jubilee Hills by poll led to both encouraging developments and lessons to be learned. The Congress used the platform to showcase governance, the BRS amplified public issues through aggressive opposition, and the BJP focused on central contributions. Such issue-based engagement should not be limited to by poll seasons alone but should continue consistently across the state.

However, a recurring concern emerged: every by-election sees the ruling party deploy its full administrative machinery, with ministers and leaders camping in the constituency, often slowing down governance elsewhere. There is a need for parties to shift away from this pattern to ensure that the state’s administrative systems remain uninterrupted.

With all major parties clearly aligning their efforts toward the 2028 Assembly election, the expectation is that they fulfil their respective responsibilities effectively and work toward the welfare of the people. Voters hope that the momentum witnessed during the Jubilee Hills by poll translates into constructive political engagement across Telangana in the years ahead.