metro india news  I hyderabad

Polling began in a sedate manner in the presence of a large contingent of uniformed men for the Jubilee Hills by-election on Tuesday. The bypoll was necessitated due to the death of BRS MLA Maganti Gopinath. The polling stations opened at 7 a.m. but people started trudging in only after 11 a.m. and touched 20.76 %. However, by the close of day, it was 48.42%. Voter turnout progressed steadily: 9.2% by 9 AM, 20.76% by 11 AM, 31.94% by 1 PM, 40.20% by 3 PM, and 47.16% by 5 PM. Officials anticipated a surge in the final hours. Elderly voters availed wheelchair facilities, though youth and celebrity participation remained low initially. District Election Officer RV Karnan urged higher turnout, inspecting booths personally.

Prominent personalities exercised their franchise, including filmmaker SS Rajamouli with family at Shaikpet Booth 28, HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath at Madhura Nagar, actor Tanikella Bharani at Yousufguda, and candidates Sunita (Booth 290), Deepak Reddy (Booth 301), and Naveen Yadav. BRS candidate Sunita appealed to voters to turnout in large numbers.

Isolated incidents included verbal clashes between BRS and Congress workers at Yousufguda over tables and non-local leaders, allegations against rowdy elements, and complaints on campaign materials were witnessed. Police registered cases against non-local MLAs/MLCs and ex MLAs from both Congress and BRS violating MCC. ECI directed strict action.

Tight security ensured smooth conduct, with 1,761 police personnel, CISF deployment at sensitive booths, 900 CCTV cameras, 150 drones for real-time monitoring, and check posts. First-time features included color photos of candidates on EVMs. Minor EVM glitches at nine booths were promptly resolved by replacements.

Seen as a litmus test for Congress governance and opposition resurgence, the bypoll holds significance with one lakh Muslim voters likely pivotal. Counting is scheduled for November 14.

As voting continues, drones have become a distinctive feature at the polling locations. This is the first time in the country that drones are used for aerial surveillance of polling stations in a constituency.