High-Stakes Jubilee Hills By-Poll Kicks Off Amidst New ECI Measures

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially announced the schedule for the Jubilee Hills assembly by-poll, marking the formal commencement of the election process. The by-poll, scheduled for November 11, was necessitated by the death of sitting MLA Maganti Gopinath in June.

As outlined in the ECI's schedule, candidates have until October 21 to file their nominations. The scrutiny of nominations will take place the following day, and the deadline for withdrawing candidatures is set for October 24. These procedures will be overseen at the Office of the Returning Officer in Shaikpet.

To enhance election integrity, the ECI is implementing several new measures. These include the use of colour photographs on EVMs, AI-based surveillance, and GPS-enabled monitoring of sensitive polling stations. The measures aim to curb malpractice during the voting process. The ruling Congress has announced V Naveen Yadav as its candidate, while the opposition BRS has fielded Maganti Sunitha, the widow of the late MLA. The BJP is yet to declare its candidate.

(With inputs from agencies.)