High-Tech Security, High-Stakes Fight on the cards

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

As Telangana braces for a fiercely contested by-election, Jubilee Hills Assembly constituency will go to polls today (November 11), marking a pivotal triangular showdown between the ruling Congress, BRS and BJP. Triggered by the untimely demise of BRS MLA Maganti Gopinath in June this year, the bypoll—slated for voting from 7 AM to 6 PM, with counting on November 14—serves as a litmus test for Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy's administration.

At the heart of the fray are three key contenders: Congress's Naveen Yadav, BRS's Maganti Sunitha, BJP's L. Deepak Reddy Though over 80 nominations were initially accepted from 211 filings—with nearly 60% rejected during scrutiny—the real battle boils down to these heavyweights, mirroring a mini general election. For BRS, clinging to relevance after 2023 assembly and 2024 Lok Sabha debacles, retaining this stronghold is existential; BJP eyes it to cement its anti-Congress credentials ahead of 2028 polls; while a Congress win would validate Revanth Reddy's governance.

Election machinery is in overdrive to ensure seamless conduct for 4.01 lakh voters—2.08 lakh men and 1.92 lakh women—across 407 stations, 226 deemed "critical." Hyderabad District Collector Harichandana Dasari has declared paid holidays for government offices, schools, and institutions in the area with bars shuttered and food distribution banned near booths.

4 Ballot Units (BU), 1 Control Unit (CU) and 1 VVPAT will be provided to each Polling Station. 2,394 BUs, 561 CUs and 595 VVPATs, which includes reserve quantity, have been tested and kept ready as per ECI guidelines. Randomization process for the polling equipment has been completed  

Security is fortified with 1,761 police personnel, eight CISF companies, 1,800 officers at stations, and over 2,000 Election Commission staff. Advanced tech includes 139 drones for aerial surveillance, CCTV at all sites, webcasting for live monitoring, "striking" forces, and mobile squads to curb unrest.

Parties have shifted to booth-level micromanagement, with intense voter outreach via street meetings and door-to-door canvassing, underscoring the seat's prestige in Greater Hyderabad's political landscape. Officials urge high turnout, promising a "peaceful, transparent" process. As drones hum overhead, Jubilee Hills pulses with anticipation—this bypoll could reshape Telangana's power dynamics.