Hyderabad: As the Jubilee Hills by-election enters its final stages, political activity in the constituency has reached fever pitch. This week has seen a flurry of campaigns, roadshows, and high-decibel political rhetoric, with the BRS and Congress vying for voter attention amid adverse weather and mounting public scrutiny.

BRS Working President K. T. Rama Rao (KTR) has emerged as the central figure in the campaign for the party’s candidate, Maganti Sunitha Gopinath. Speaking at multiple roadshows, including Rahmatnagar and Sheikhpet, KTR criticized the Congress government for what he described as a two-year record of “looting the poor and protecting the rich.” He pointed to broken promises, failed welfare schemes, and stalled development projects as examples of governance gone awry under Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. KTR also highlighted the successes of the previous decade under KCR, noting key urban projects, water reservoir expansions, and social welfare programs that benefited women and marginalized communities.

A key feature of this week’s campaign has been BRS’s innovative outreach initiatives. The party has continued its ‘Mata-Muchata’ or ‘word-talk’ program, engaging directly with voters in tea shops and congested areas, where senior leaders and local representatives discuss daily issues, urban development concerns, and the failures of the current administration. The approach allows the party to bypass traditional rallies and address voters at the grassroots level, ensuring sustained contact in every ward and division.

The Congress, meanwhile, has been defending its record while launching its own high-profile roadshows. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy toured major areas like Yusufguda, Rahmatnagar, and Jawaharnagar, interacting with voters and highlighting schemes initiated by his government. However, BRS leaders have criticized these campaigns as attempts to intimidate voters, alleging that threats of scheme cancellations were being used to influence electoral behavior. KTR and other BRS leaders have publicly condemned these tactics, framing them as a symptom of the Congress’s fear of defeat.

This week also witnessed political realignments. Several TDP leaders joined the BRS in a public ceremony, symbolizing the consolidation of regional opposition forces in favor of Maganti Sunitha. These new entrants have added momentum to the BRS campaign, reinforcing the party’s message of continuity, welfare, and urban development.

As voters prepare to head to the polls, the contest remains intensely competitive. Minorities and women’s groups have emerged as crucial decision-makers, with both parties tailoring their outreach accordingly. Public enthusiasm for the BRS campaign has been palpable, particularly during roadshows where supporters raised slogans, displayed placards, and actively participated in door-to-door engagements.

The Jubilee Hills by-election, with its high stakes, strategic campaigning, and sharp criticism of governance, provides a snapshot of Telangana’s dynamic political environment. As the countdown to polling continues, both parties are leaving no stone unturned to secure the constituency, making the coming days critical in determining the future political landscape of this urban stronghold.