Congress’ desperation evident in Jubilee Hills campaign as controversies erupt

The Congress campaign for the Jubilee Hills by-election drew criticism for poll code violations, appeasement politics, and alleged cash-for-vote attempts. CM Revanth Reddy’s remarks, Azharuddin’s induction, and promises to film workers and voters sparked opposition outrage and Election Commission complaints

Hyderabad: Desperate times call for desperate measures. The ruling Congress, in its bid to win the confidence of voters in the Jubilee Hills by-election, tried every tactic at its disposal and triggered a slew of controversies through appeasement politics, poll code violations and the use of money and muscle power.

From Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to Ministers and senior leaders, the Congress campaign was mired in controversies and personal attacks. Complaints were lodged with the Chief Electoral Officer against the Chief Minister over alleged poll code violations.

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Apart from making derogatory remarks against BRS working president KT Rama Rao, the Chief Minister’s “Congress means Muslims, Muslims means Congress” comment invited strong criticism from several quarters. Faced with widespread backlash, he later backtracked, stating that both Hindus and Muslims were like two eyes for the Congress.

In a blatant violation of the Model Code of Conduct, he announced a series of assurances, including a school for children of film workers at Krishnanagar, land for them in Bharat Future City and permission to hike cinema ticket rates, provided 20 per cent of the benefits were shared with film workers. He also promised 4,000 Indiramma houses for the poor in Jubilee Hills, compared to 3,500 houses sanctioned for other constituencies.

The Congress government’s appeasement politics also came under scrutiny after the sudden induction of former cricketer Mohd Azharuddin into the State Cabinet. State Government Advisor Mohd Shabbir Ali campaigned at Masjid-e-Kaneez Fatima in Madhuranagar before Friday prayers.

The desperation was further evident when TPCC president Mahesh Kumar Goud on Saturday alleged that 30 per cent of voters were deleted from the constituency and attempts were being made to cast such votes through others.

Adding to the list of allegations, the BRS accused Congress leaders of distributing cash to voters across different localities. Sharing a video on X, BRS spokesperson Manne Krishank on Sunday said, “Rs 5000 per vote distribution by Congress corporators desperately to save their loss at Jubilee Hills bypoll.”