The ruling Congress party is poised to win the upcoming Jubilee Hills by-election, an internal survey commissioned by the party said, indicating strong voter approval for its welfare schemes.
The survey reveals that the Congress enjoys 48.32% public support in the constituency, while BRS trails at 34.17%, and BJP stands at 16.04%. Independent candidates are expected to secure 1.47% of the vote.
A private agency recently conducted the survey in 19 colonies across Shaikpet, Erragadda, Yousufguda, and Borabanda, collecting feedback from 2,000 voters.
Key Congress government schemes — such as free bus travel for women, 200 units of free electricity, free fine rice through ration cards, issuance of new ration cards, and employment generation — have had a strong influence on women and young voters.
Women voters in particular noted that their families save nearly Rs 1,500 per month through free rice, Rs 1,100 through free power, and another Rs 800 in transport costs — amounting to an annual household saving of around Rs 45,000.
Many said this has improved their standard of living. Non-ration card holders said the schemes encouraged them to apply for new cards.
Backward Class communities also responded positively to the state’s recent caste census and BC reservation measures.
On governance, most voters expressed satisfaction with steps taken to improve drainage, roads, and water supply.
Despite some complaints over pension delays and power cuts, more than 60% of voters rated the Congress government’s contribution to urban development as “satisfactory” or “highly satisfactory.”
The BRS, which is relying on sympathy over late MLA Gopinath, appears weakened by factors such as allegations of corruption in the Kaleshwaram project, lack of coordination between the Maganti Sunitha and Vajranath factions, discontent among cadre over ticket allocation, and rumours of a secret pact with the BJP. This has created confusion in the BRS ranks, benefitting Congress.
The absence of the MIM from the contest, coupled with erosion of minority support for BRS, is also expected to work in Congress’s favour.
Though BJP has managed 16% vote share, the survey noted that the party lacks strong booth-level presence in Jubilee Hills. However, it is expected to be a strong alternative in the Lok Sabha elections.
However, the survey cautions that local issues and voter turnout could influence the final by-election outcome.