This is the second by-election taking place in Telangana after the Congress Party came to power. Both these by-elections were necessitated due to the untimely deaths of BRS members. One was the Cantonment by-election, and the one taking place now is the second — the Jubilee Hills by-election, scheduled to be held on November 11. In the Cantonment by-election, the Congress candidate Sri Ganesh won comfortably with a majority of over 13,000 votes, without much fanfare. Though that by-election was held within six months of Congress assuming power, the sentiment did not particularly work there. However, the Jubilee Hills by-election holds special significance as it is being conducted when the Congress government is close to completing two years in office. Hence, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is putting in his full efforts to win this seat and prove that the people’s approval for his government remains strong. On the other hand, the opposition BRS is also fighting hard to retain its sitting seat.
Although the BJP is in the race, the main contest is clearly between the ruling Congress and the opposition BRS. All eyes are now on the results to be announced on November 14. Meanwhile, widespread reports suggest that there are gaps and differences between CM Revanth Reddy and his cabinet ministers. Even after being in power for nearly two years, many within the party feel that Revanth Reddy has not yet gained complete control over the government. They point to several survey reports released in connection with the Jubilee Hills by-election as an example. In short, leaders argue that even reputed media surveys have lost credibility, while smaller survey firms’ reports are being manipulated by the BRS for favorable propaganda. One senior minister even questioned, “How can a ruling party fail to identify the secret operations being carried out by the opposition?”
Still, several factors are working in favor of the Congress, such as:
The party still has three more years in power.
Congress candidate Naveen Yadav has strong community support.
The MIM is backing the Congress instead of contesting on its own.
And, being in power gives the party access to financial resources.
Congress leaders believe that if the ruling party fails to win this seat despite so many favorable conditions, it would become a serious setback for Revanth Reddy. Since the formation of Telangana, no Chief Minister has campaigned as aggressively as Revanth Reddy has for this Jubilee Hills by-election. However, many observers who watched his campaign felt that his criticism of opponents appeared to be going out of control. Moreover, with local body elections expected soon, political analysts believe that the results of this by-election will have a definite impact on those polls as well. Not just CM Revanth Reddy, but also key cabinet ministers are actively participating in the campaign on a large scale. Yet, there is talk within Congress circles that some ministers are not working very seriously, fearing that a victory here might further strengthen Revanth Reddy’s position. Overall, it can be said that the result of this by-election is extremely crucial for Revanth Reddy.