Jubilee Hills bypoll: Leaders hit the ground as nominations close

The Jubilee Hills Assembly by-election has entered a crucial phase as yesterday marks the final day for filing nominations, with over 150 candidates expected to contest. Scheduled for November 11, 2025, the by-election is emerging as a high-stakes political battle, with all major parties intensifying campaigns to win the seat in this urban stronghold. The scrutiny of nominations will take place on October 22, and the last date for withdrawal of candidature is October 24. Counting of votes is scheduled for November 14, with the election process expected to conclude by November 16. The main contenders include BRS nominee Maganti Sunitha, Congress candidate Naveen Yadav, and BJP’s Lankala Deepak Reddy.

For the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), Jubilee Hills is a traditional stronghold. Party leaders K. T. Rama Rao (KTR) and T. Harish Rao are actively campaigning, focusing on grassroots engagement through the “Basti Dawakhana” initiative, a network of 450 community healthcare centers across Telangana, including 350 in Hyderabad, offering 110 types of medicines and 134 free medical tests. During a recent visit, T. Harish Rao highlighted that Basti Dawakhanas were established by KCR to provide accessible healthcare to residents. He pointed out that under the current Congress administration, many centers face shortages of medicines, unpaid staff salaries for five to six months, and incomplete medical tests. He demanded immediate salary release, full medicine availability, and filling of vacant positions. Retaining Jubilee Hills is crucial for the BRS to maintain urban credibility and showcase its governance efficiency.

For Congress, the by-election offers a chance to counter anti-incumbency against CM Revanth Reddy and regain urban influence. The party is highlighting delays in welfare schemes, infrastructure gaps, and governance issues, positioning candidate Naveen Yadav as a credible alternative. A victory could provide Congress with a momentum boost, helping consolidate urban voter support and demonstrating its relevance in Hyderabad politics.

The BJP, with Lankala Deepak Reddy as its candidate, views the by-election as an opportunity to strengthen its urban presence. Despite low candidate recognition, the party is leveraging its previous urban election performance, emphasizing local development issues, poor infrastructure, and municipal service gaps. Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy has been actively campaigning, warning voters about potential Congress-AIMIM alliances and presenting BJP as a viable alternative. A strong showing could boost the party’s urban base.

The Jubilee Hills by-election is significant for all parties for different reasons. For BRS, it is about retaining a stronghold and projecting governance credibility. For Congress, it is a chance to reverse anti-incumbency and rebuild urban support. For the BJP, it represents an opportunity to consolidate its urban presence and increase visibility in key constituencies. With today as the last day for nominations, the Jubilee Hills by-election is now officially the focal point of political attention in Hyderabad, with all parties mobilizing for a decisive outcome in this urban constituency.