Synopsis
Polling is underway in Hyderabad for the Telangana Legislative Council seat, with a turnout of about 80% by noon. The contest is primarily between BJP's N Gautham Rao and AIMIM's Mirza Riyaz Ul Hassan Effendi, with AIMIM in a strong position due to support from Congress.Key Takeaways
- Polling in Hyderabad for MLC seat ongoing
- 80% voter turnout recorded by noon
- AIMIM holds an advantageous position
- Vote counting to start on April 25
- BJP accuses Congress and BRS of collusion
Hyderabad, April 23 (NationPress) Voting is currently taking place to elect the Member of the Telangana Legislative Council from the Hyderabad local authorities’ constituency this Wednesday.
Approximately 80 percent of votes have been cast by noon in this election, characterized by a direct rivalry between Bharatiya Janata Party's N Gautham Rao and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen's Mirza Riyaz Ul Hassan Effendi.
A total of 112 voters, including corporators, MPs, MLAs, and MLCs from the Hyderabad district, are qualified to exercise their voting rights.
AIMIM party President and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, along with his party legislators, were among the first to vote at polling centers located at the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) headquarters.
With 49 votes (seven MLAs, one MLC, one Lok Sabha MP, and 40 corporators), the AIMIM holds a robust position, and with the backing of Congress, which has 14 votes, it is poised to secure the seat comfortably.
The BJP, boasting 29 votes, has nominated its candidate to ensure a contest, the outcome of which will be crucial ahead of the upcoming elections for the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) next year.
The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), which commands 20 votes, has directed its voters to refrain from casting their votes.
The BJP has accused the Congress and the BRS of abstaining from the contest solely to undermine the BJP and facilitate the AIMIM's victory.
Conversely, BRS leaders assert that their party maintains a neutral stance towards both the BJP and AIMIM.
The AIMIM was previously allied with the BRS during its tenure in power from 2014 to 2023. Following Congress's rise to power, AIMIM has shown greater alignment with Congress.
The Election Commission has established two polling stations at the GHMC headquarters and deployed the requisite staff. Approximately 200 to 250 policemen and around 500 officers and staff are on election duty.
The vote counting process will commence on April 25.
