Congress Raises Alarm Over Extended Poll Hours
In a politically charged development, the Congress party has voiced strong objections to the Election Commission’s decision to extend polling hours in the upcoming Jubilee Hills by-election. The move, which allows voting until 6 PM, has sparked concerns within the party about potential late-hour mobilization by rival candidates.
Congress leaders argue that the extension could tilt the balance in favor of opposition parties, especially those adept at last-minute voter mobilization. The party fears that this change may disrupt its carefully planned booth-level operations, which were optimized for standard polling hours.
Sources within the Congress camp reveal that the leadership is now recalibrating its booth-level strategies. This includes revising volunteer shifts, enhancing voter outreach in the final hours, and deploying additional resources to counter any surge from rival camps.
The Jubilee Hills constituency has become a political hotspot, with 58 candidates contesting the by-election. Among the key contenders are V Naveen Yadav (Congress), Magani Sunitha (BRS), and Lankala Deepak Reddy (BJP). The sheer volume of candidates has intensified the need for tactical precision.
Senior Congress leaders have called for greater transparency in the polling process. They demand real-time updates from the Election Commission and stricter monitoring of voter movement during the extended hours to ensure fair play.
Political analysts suggest that the extended hours could influence undecided voters, especially those returning from work. Congress is now focusing on targeted messaging and last-mile connectivity to retain its voter base.
In response to the new timeline, Congress has activated its local cadre to monitor booths more closely. Special teams are being trained to handle voter queries, assist elderly voters, and ensure smooth operations till the final minute.
While Congress protests the extension, rival parties have welcomed the move. BRS and BJP leaders claim it enhances democratic participation and allows more citizens to exercise their rights.
Congress legal advisors are reviewing the Election Commission’s notification to assess procedural compliance. If discrepancies are found, the party may consider filing a formal objection or seeking judicial review.
With the polling window now extended, the final hours of voting could prove decisive. Congress is leaving no stone unturned to adapt its strategy and maintain voter engagement throughout the day.
