calender_icon.png 7 October, 2025 | 2:08 AM

Jubilee Hills poll battle on Nov.11, MCC in force in Hyd dist

07-10-2025 12:00:00 AM

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the bye-election for the Jubilee Hills Assembly Constituency in Telangana, necessitated by the unfortunate demise of sitting BRS MLA Maganti Gopinath. Polling is set for November 11, with counting of votes scheduled for November 14. The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) has come into immediate effect across Hyderabad district from Monday evening onwards, ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process. The rest of the GHMC limits do not come under the MCC purview.

All political parties, candidates, and stakeholders are urged to adhere strictly to MCC guidelines, with violations attracting legal action.

The detailed election timeline includes the issuance of the official notification on October 13, followed by the acceptance of nominations until October 21. Scrutiny of nominations will occur on October 22, and the last date for withdrawal of candidature is October 24. The entire process will conclude by November 16. Voting will be conducted using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) equipped with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems, which have undergone thorough testing for reliability. Voters can use their Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) or alternative documents such as Aadhaar, driving license, passport, PAN card, or pension documents to cast their ballots.

The constituency boasts 3,99,000 registered voters, including 207,367 males, 191,590 females, and 25 others. To accommodate them, 407 polling stations have been established, with an average of 980 voters per station. Basic facilities will be provided at all centers to ensure a smooth experience. The estimated cost for conducting the bye-election is Rs. 6 crores. Chief Electoral Officer C. Sudharshan Reddy emphasized the Commission's dedication, stating, “The Election Commission is committed to conducting the Jubilee Hills bye-election with complete neutrality, transparency, and efficiency,” while urging citizens to verify their electoral rolls and participate actively.

GHMC Commissioner RV Karnan, IAS highlighted the enforcement measures, noting that political advertisements are being removed district-wide. He called upon all parties to follow MCC guidelines rigorously, warning, “Strict action will be taken against those spreading false information related to the election.” Candidates must disclose any criminal antecedents through newspapers, television, and digital platforms.

Hyderabad Police Commissioner V. Sajjanar, IPS reinforced security protocols, directing licensed firearm holders to deposit their weapons at police stations immediately. He assured, “We are taking proactive measures to ensure peace and security so that there are no disruptions,” and urged the public to report MCC violations via Dial 100 or 112. Check posts and flying squads will monitor vehicle checks and prevent breaches.

Jubilee Hills By-poll and Local Body Election process simultaneously

Adding to the political fervor, the Jubilee Hills polling on November 11 coincides with the counting of votes for the Mandal Parishad Territorial Committees (MPTC) and Zilla Parishad Territorial Committees (ZPTC) elections in Telangana. These local body polls, to be conducted in phases, High Court permitting, with the first on October 31 and second on November 4, will see results announced on the same day as the by-poll voting. This overlap, managed independently by the State Election Commission for local bodies and the ECI for the assembly seat, is expected to heighten voter engagement and influence urban-rural dynamics. Parties are mobilizing resources amid discussions on how rural outcomes might impact Jubilee Hills, a key urban constituency. Officials have assured separate infrastructure to avoid interference, promoting a seamless democratic exercise across levels.

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