What to Expect in the Jubilee Hills Bypoll?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Model Code of Conduct is now active in Hyderabad.
- By-elections for Jubilee Hills will occur on November 11.
- Voters must verify their registration and prepare acceptable identification.
- Key dates include nomination filing and scrutiny on October 21 and 22.
- The constituency has seen a growth in voter registration.
Hyderabad, Oct 6 (NationPress) The Model Code of Conduct has officially come into effect in the Hyderabad district as of Monday, following the announcement by the Election Commission of India that the by-elections for the Jubilee Hills Assembly seat will take place on November 11.
According to Chief Electoral Officer C. Sudharshan Reddy, preparations are underway to guarantee a free, fair, and peaceful election.
The vacancy arose due to the passing of the sitting MLA, Maganti Gopinath, from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in June.
The Commission has mandated that all candidates and political parties reveal any criminal records via newspapers, television, and online platforms to promote transparency.
The official notification for the by-election is set to be released on October 13, with the last date for filing nominations being October 21.
Nomination scrutiny will occur on October 22, and candidates can withdraw until October 24.
The counting of votes is scheduled for November 14, with the entire election process concluding by November 16.
Hyderabad District Returning Officer R.V. Karnan informed the media that new voters have a 10-day window to register.
Karnan, also the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Commissioner, stated that the Model Code of Conduct is now active throughout Hyderabad district.
The elections will utilize Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) systems at all polling stations.
The CEO confirmed that sufficient EVMs have been tested and are ready for efficient polling.
Voters can present their Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) or other approved ID documents such as Aadhaar, driving license, passport, PAN card, or pension papers at polling stations.
He encouraged citizens to check their names on the electoral rolls and engage actively in the democratic process.
As per the final electoral roll published last week, the constituency has a total of 3,99,000 voters - comprising 2,07,382 males, 1,91,593 females, and 25 third-gender voters.
In the 2023 Assembly elections, the constituency had 3,85,287 voters, indicating a 3.49 percent increase.
Voting for the by-election will be conducted at 407 polling stations across 139 locations within the constituency.
During the 2023 elections, Gopinath of the BRS achieved a hat-trick by defeating former Indian cricket captain and Congress candidate Mohammed Azharuddin by 16,337 votes.
In a multi-cornered contest, Gopinath secured 80,549 votes, while Azharuddin obtained 64,212 votes.
BJP's L. Deepak Reddy finished third with 25,866 votes.
The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), led by Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, also fielded a candidate who placed fourth with only 7,848 votes.
The BRS has announced Gopinath’s wife, Maganti Sunitha, as its candidate for the upcoming election.
As of now, the Congress and BJP have yet to declare their candidates.