Jubilee Hills Bypoll: Clashes Erupt Between BRS and Congress Cadres in Vengal Rao Nagar

Tension gripped Hyderabad’s Vengal Rao Nagar on Tuesday as polling for the Jubilee Hills Assembly by-election witnessed sporadic clashes, allegations of cash distribution, and minor technical snags in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The bypoll, necessitated by the death of sitting MLA Maganti Gopinath (BRS), saw a triangular contest between Maganti Sunitha (BRS), Naveen Yadav (Congress), and Lanka Deepak Reddy (BJP).

Polling began at 7 a.m. and will continue until 6 p.m., with 4,01,365 registered voters expected to cast their votes across 407 polling stations. Officials reported a voter turnout of 9.2% by 9 a.m., as polling picked up momentum after a slow start due to cool morning weather.

Clashes Between BRS and Congress Workers

The first incident of tension erupted at booth number 120 in Vengal Rao Nagar, where BRS and Congress cadres engaged in a physical altercation. According to reports, Congress workers allegedly attacked BRS members who were assisting voters with electoral rolls. Police intervened promptly and dispersed both groups.

Another clash broke out at booth number 180, where Congress leaders accused BRS activists of distributing cash to lure voters. The BRS, in turn, alleged that Congress cadres were trying to create fear among voters.

EVM Malfunctions Disrupt Polling

Technical glitches in EVMs were reported at several polling stations across Borabanda, Rahmatnagar, Vengal Rao Nagar, and Shaikpet, briefly halting the polling process.

Voting came to a standstill at booth number 348 in Borabanda, while issues were also reported at booths 165 and 166 (Rahmatnagar) and 76 and 78 (Vengal Rao Nagar).

At Shaikpet, polling began late after officials fixed a fault at booth number 30B. District Election Officer R.V. Karnan confirmed that all issues were promptly rectified and polling resumed smoothly thereafter.

Tension in Borabanda

In Borabanda, tension escalated when Congress leader Baba Fasiuddin allegedly attacked a BRS worker assisting voters. BRS candidate Maganti Sunitha, who cast her vote at the Sri Krishna Devaraya Welfare Centre (booth 290) in Yellareddyguda, condemned the incident and accused the police of bias.

“The police must remain neutral and ensure peaceful polling. Silence will no longer be an option if such incidents continue,” she said, urging citizens to vote without fear.

Code of Conduct Violation Alleged

At booth number 337 in Borabanda, BRS workers objected to Congress supporters wearing T-shirts resembling the party symbol and displaying serial number 2—a move they termed as a “clear violation” of the Election Code of Conduct.
BRS leaders filed a complaint with the police demanding immediate action.

Non-local Congress Leaders Under Watch

Authorities also took note of reports that several non-local Congress leaders were present near polling stations, allegedly influencing voters. Government Whip Beerla Ailaiah and MLC Shankar Naik, along with their followers, were seen near the SDP Hotel in Rahmatnagar division, in violation of election norms.

Cash-for-Votes Allegations

In a separate incident, BRS workers caught a Congress leader allegedly distributing money near booth number 205 in Jawaharnagar (Vengal Rao Nagar division). The accused was handed over to the election authorities for further investigation.

Tight Security and Monitoring

Despite scattered disturbances, officials said polling was being conducted under tight police security, supported by webcasting and drone surveillance across 139 sensitive areas.
Authorities confirmed that voting was progressing smoothly after brief interruptions, and the counting of votes will be held on November 14.

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