Model code kicks in for Jubilee Hills by-election

The Commissioner of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation R.V. Karnan, has announced that the Model Code of Conduct has come into effect in Hyderabad district in view of the Election Commission of India announcing the schedule for the by-election of the Jubilee Hills Assembly constituency.

Mr. Karnan, who is also the Hyderabad District Election Officer, addressed a media conference on Monday, along with the Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar to brief about the arrangements for the by-elections. As per the schedule announced by ECI, the by-election notification will be issued on October 13, and nominations will be accepted from October 13 to 21. Scrutiny of nominations will be held on October 22, while the last date for withdrawal of nominations is October 24. Polling will take place on November 11, followed by vote counting on November 14.

Mr. Karnan informed that as part of the enforcement, political advertisements within the district limits are being removed. A total of 407 polling stations will be set up at 139 locations for the by-election, ensuring all the basic facilities for voters and staff. Jubilee Hills constituency has about 4 lakh voters, who can cast their votes using ECI-approved ID cards. In the absence of EPICs, the voters can use any of the 12 ECI approved documents. The total estimated expenditure for the election is around ₹6 crore.

Mr. Karnan warned that strict action will be taken against those spreading false or misleading information related to the election. He also confirmed that sufficient EVMs are available and first-level testing has already been completed. He urged political parties to adhere to the election code of conduct and requested the media to refrain from telecasting fake news and paid news. Candidates have been instructed to publish details of any criminal cases pending against them in newspapers and television channels as per ECI guidelines.

The by-election in Jubilee Hills, one of Hyderabad’s most high-profile constituencies, has drawn considerable political attention. The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) is expected to field Sunitha Gopinath, wife of the late MLA Maganti Gopinath. The Congress party is yet to announce its candidate for the race.