Jubilee Hills By-Poll Elections Expenditure: The Jubilee Hills by-election has become a matter of prestige for both the ruling Congress and the opposition BRS. This election is also setting new records in terms of expenditure. For the first time, major political parties are reportedly spending around ₹100 crore on a by-election in Hyderabad, mostly for voter distribution. Except for one or two instances, such heavy spending has never been seen in a single constituency in the city’s suburbs.

In comparison, election expenditure in the 15 core constituencies of Hyderabad remains much lower, with limited “cash-for-vote” activity. However, this time, the spending by candidates in Jubilee Hills is said to have exceeded initial estimates. Party sources claim that one candidate has already sent cash to nearly 70% of the voters, while another has covered around 50%. The money is being distributed under the supervision of local party leaders, with booth-wise coordination.

Additional Rewards after Polling:
One party, which initially claimed to be giving ₹3,000 per vote, is reportedly distributing ₹2,500. Another is said to be offering ₹1,500 per vote. Interestingly, the party offering ₹2,500 in general areas is giving ₹5,000 in regions where it is weak, while the other is reducing its payment to ₹1,000 in strong areas.

Parties are also being cautious about the distribution process, ensuring the money is handled only by trusted workers. Local leaders helping with distribution are reportedly being paid ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 per day, along with additional rewards after polling.

Money in the Hands of Women
The money is being handed primarily to women in each household, as parties believe they will use it responsibly and ensure the votes are cast as promised. Ten days ago, a party reportedly distributed ₹500 each to women’s savings groups in addition to the voting amount. Along with cash, parties are also distributing gifts, such as silk sarees, to attract female voters. It is said that one party brought one lakh sarees for this purpose, with half already distributed.

Also Read: Revanth Reddy’s Strategy Stuns BRS in Jubilee Hills Bypoll

The Target: Two Lakh Voters
According to the election reports, the Jubilee Hills constituency has around 4 lakh voters. Compared to the last three elections since 2014, the average polling attendance from the voters was between 47% to 52%. Looking at these numbers, almost 2 lakh voters are expected to come for these elections. According to the sources, major parties in now targeting these two lakh voters who didn’t come for the previous elections. It is also said that one of the major parties alone is spending around 50 crores for these elections.

Leaders think that gaining even half of those voters’ trust will guarantee victory. As of Sunday night, one party has attracted about one lakh votes, while another claims to have reached 1.5 lakh. At this rate, the major candidates may spend more than ₹100 crore before the polls close. Originally a routine contest, the by-election has evolved into a contest of prestige for the leaders of both parties.

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