Hyderabad: The upcoming by-election in the Jubilee Hills constituency has become a key political contest in Telangana, with Muslim voters emerging as a decisive factor. The bypoll follows the resignation of Congress MLA M. Shashidhar Reddy, who joined the BJP, leaving the seat vacant.
Jubilee Hills is known for its affluent profile, but it also includes large Muslim-majority pockets such as Yousufguda, Rahmathnagar, and Shaikpet. Muslims make up about 30 to 35 percent of the electorate, making their votes crucial for any winning candidate.
The Congress is counting on its traditional minority support base and is expected to nominate a candidate who can appeal to Muslim voters. The BJP is attempting to consolidate Hindu votes while simultaneously reaching out to Muslim communities to soften its image. The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), though not dominant here, is likely to influence the results by drawing a share of votes from both camps.
Local issues are shaping voter opinion more than national politics. Residents have expressed frustration over civic challenges such as housing, drainage, and infrastructure. Many Muslim voters remain wary of the BJP due to its polarizing rhetoric, while some are skeptical of Congress due to past unfulfilled promises.
Observers see this bypoll as a test of minority political alignment before the general elections. Voter turnout and Muslim voter unity are expected to determine the final outcome.
