Telangana Election 2024 Highlights: 61.16% voter turnout till 5 pm; BJP moves EC against CM Reddy for breaching MCC

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Former Union Minister and Congress Rajya Sabha MP Renuka Chowdhury exercised her franchise in Khammam today for the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections.

The voter turnout for the Secunderabad Cantonment assembly by-poll stood at 47.88 percent as of 5:00 pm.

Actor Ram Charan and his wife Upasana Kamineni exercised their franchisees at a polling booth located in Hyderabad's Jubilee Hills.

Zahirabad recorded the highest voter turnout at 63.96 percent, while Hyderabad witnessed the lowest turnout at 29.47 percent till 3 pm, as per EC data.

The BJP has lodged a complaint with the Election Commission against Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy for conducting a press conference after casting his vote. The complaint argues that this action violates the Model Code of Conduct.

Meanwhile, Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy accused the BJP of "trying to polarise Muslim votes" shortly after its party candidate Madhavi Latha sparked controversy during her visit to a polling booth.
In an interaction with the press, CM Reddy, stated, "I have not seen the video. But BJP is simply trying to polarise Muslim votes to win Asaduddin Owaisi. All these issues are going to help Owaisi. It is not going to benefit anything BJP".
In a video clip, Madhavi Latha was seen checking the voter ID cards of Muslim women.

Madhavi Latha, BJP's Hyderabad candidate, who has been booked for checking voter IDs at a polling booth early today, stated, "90 percent of booths are compromised. Police do not want to instruct female constables to check the face with the voter ID. When I asked the police officer, he said it's not his responsibility", in an interaction with the media.

State Chief Electoral Officer Vikas Raj stated that no law and order issues had been reported until around noon. He mentioned that voter turnout was higher by three to four percent compared to the polling percentage recorded until around 1 pm during the previous Legislative Assembly elections.
Raj expressed hope that the voter turnout would be significantly better compared to the 2019 Parliament elections. Additionally, he mentioned that an inquiry is underway into some received complaints.

BRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao asserted on Monday that regional parties would wield significant influence post the Lok Sabha elections. Following his vote in his native village Chintamadaka in Siddipet district, Telangana, he stated to reporters that according to the BJP's own regulations, no leader within the party would assume any position after reaching the age of 75.
He noted, "Therefore, PM Modi has to resign. It's a matter for BJP members to contemplate."
He further stated, "There's no such thing as a bloc anymore. Regional parties will now wield power in India."

After casting her vote, Indian badminton player Jwala Gutta says, "Voting is our right. People should come and vote. This is also a message to those in power that we can bring you to power and if you are not doing the right thing for the country and society, then we can also bring you down..."

Andhra Pradesh 40.26%
Bihar 34.44%
Jammu And Kashmir 23.57%
Jharkhand 43.80%
Madhya Pradesh 48.52%
Maharashtra 30.85%
Odisha 39.30%
Telangana 40.38%
Uttar Pradesh 39.68%
West Bengal 51.87%

Case registered in Malakpet Police Station against BJP candidate from Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency, Madhavi Latha u/s of the IPC and the Representation of the People Act.

Responding to inquiries regarding a video showing her checking voters' IDs, BJP Hyderabad candidate Madhavi Latha emphasized her entitlement as a candidate to verify identification cards without facemasks. She clarified, "I am a candidate. As per the law, candidates have the right to check IDs without facemasks. I am not a man, I am a woman, and with humility, I simply requested them – could I please see and verify the ID cards. If someone wishes to escalate this matter, it indicates their apprehension…"

Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatraya casts his vote at a polling booth in Ramnagar, Hyderabad.

BJP candidate from Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency, Madhavi Latha reaches Mangalhat Police Station after the Police reportedly took BJP workers into their custody.

On being asked about a video where BJP candidate Madhavi Latha is seen checking IDs of voters, Telangana CM Revanth Reddy says "I have not seen (the video) but BJP is simply trying to polarise Muslim votes to win but all these issues are going to help Asaduddin Owaisi. It is not going to benefit BJP..."

KT Rama Rao, a prominent leader of the BRS, shared his optimism after casting his vote, stating, "We are very confident and hopeful as well. Our best tally was 11, and this time we are hoping for more. The big man who cheated India 10 years ago has been completely exposed, and people have realized their mistake. Similarly, the small man here in Telangana who deceived us five months ago has also been exposed."

Expressing grievances, Rama Rao highlighted the disparity in treatment by the Prime Minister, remarking, "The Prime Minister has been campaigning across the country, but he has been providing step-motherly treatment to Telangana with no Central university, no hospital given in 10 years..."

Amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections in Telangana, Tollywood's prominent figures made their presence felt in Hyderabad.

Shortly after 'RRR' star NTR Jr cast his vote, director SS Rajamouli, accompanied by his son SS Karthikeya, was seen at their designated polling booth.

Encouraging citizens to fulfil their civic duty, Rajamouli emphasized, "Show the country that we are responsible and we do care. Please come out and vote..."

Echoing his father's sentiments, Karthikeya also urged the public to participate actively in the electoral process. "I request everyone to come and exercise your vote. It is our responsibility and we need to fulfil that...," he said.

Earlier in the day, actor Allu Arjun shared his thoughts with the media after casting his vote.

Andhra Pradesh 23.10%
Bihar 22.54
Jammu And Kashmir 14.94%
Jharkhand 27.40%
Madhya Pradesh 32.38%
Maharashtra 17.51%
Odisha 23.28%
Telangana 24.31%
Uttar Pradesh 27.12%
West Bengal 32.78%

BJP national general secretary P Muralidhar Rao and his family cast their votes at a polling booth in DD Colony of Hyderabad.

Oscar-winning music composer MM Keeravani and megastar Chiranjeevi, along with his wife Surekha Konidela, were among the prominent personalities who cast their votes during the fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections in Hyderabad.

After exercising their voting rights, both Keeravani and Chiranjeevi stressed the importance of citizen participation in democracy. Keeravani succinctly stated, "You have to vote because you are in a democracy," while Chiranjeevi urged people to "exercise their right to vote" and "make use of your power."

Dressed in a pink-toned T-shirt with black trousers, Keeravani arrived at his designated polling station in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, to fulfill his civic duty. Similarly, Chiranjeevi and his wife exercised their voting rights, emphasizing the significance of voting in shaping the nation's future.

It is noteworthy that there are 17 Lok Sabha constituencies in Telangana. The 17 constituencies in Telangana are Adilabad, Bhuvanagiri, Chevella, Hyderabad, Karimnagar, Khammam, Mahabubabad, Mahabubnagar, Malkajgiri, Medak, Nagarkurnool, Nalgonda, Nizamabad, Peddapalle, Secunderabad, Warangal and Zahirabad.

Former Chief Minister of Telangana, K Chandrashekhar Rao, exercised his voting right in Chintamadaka village, located in his native Siddipet district. The village falls under the Medak Lok Sabha constituency and comprises 2300 registered voters.

In a separate instance, Padma Vibhushan awardee Chiranjeevi and his wife Surekha Konidela cast their votes at a polling booth in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, during the ongoing fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections. They arrived together at the designated polling station in Hyderabad to participate in the electoral process and mark their fingers with indelible ink.

BJP MP and Karimnagar candidate Bandi Sanjay Kumar, accompanied by his family, exercised their voting rights at a polling booth within the constituency.

Opposing him, the Congress has nominated Velichala Rajendar Rao, while the BRS has put forward Vinod Kumar Boianapalli as their contender.

Superstar Chiranjeevi Konidela, after participating in the Lok Sabha elections by casting his vote, appealed to the public, stating, "I urge everyone to exercise their fundamental right to vote. Please come forward and cast your ballots."

Jaya, the daughter of former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, exercised her voting right at a polling booth located in Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.

Khammam in Telangana is poised for a three-way electoral showdown involving the Congress, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Representing the Congress is Ramasahayam Raghuram Reddy, while the incumbent MP, Nama Nageswara Rao, stands as the candidate for the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), previously known as the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS). The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has put forward Tandra Vinod Rao as its contender.

Historically a stronghold for the Congress until 2004, the Khammam constituency witnessed a shift in power dynamics. In the subsequent Lok Sabha elections, it was won by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) in 2009, followed by the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) in 2014, and finally by the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) in 2019.

In Secunderabad, BJP's State President and Union Minister, G Kishan Reddy, is aiming for a second consecutive term in office. He faces competition from Congress' Danam Nagender and Thigulla Padma Rao Goud of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS).

In the 2019 elections, G. Kishan Reddy of the BJP secured 384,780 votes, constituting 42.0% of the total votes cast. Talasani Sai Kiran Yadav, representing the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (now BRS), garnered 322,666 votes, equivalent to 35.3% of the vote share. Congress' Anjan Kumar Yadav. M trailed in third place with 173,229 votes, making up 18.9% of the total votes.

Asaduddin Owaisi, the four-term Lok Sabha MP and President of AIMIM, is seeking reelection from the Hyderabad constituency, traditionally a stronghold for his party. His opponent is K Madhavi Latha, a newcomer representing the BJP and the first female candidate from the BJP to contest in Hyderabad.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha Elections, Asaduddin Owaisi secured victory with a substantial margin of 282,186 votes. He garnered 517,471 votes, capturing 58.9% of the total vote share, while his closest rival, Bhagavanth Rao from the BJP, received 235,285 votes, equivalent to 26.80% of the vote share.

Union Minister and BJP candidate from Secunderabad Parliamentary constituency, G Kishan Reddy, noted the importance of voting after casting his ballot in Hyderabad. He urged citizens to recognize polling day as more than just a holiday and to exercise their democratic right responsibly. Quoting former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, he reiterated that voting is not only a fundamental right but also a crucial responsibility. Reddy echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's sentiment, describing elections as a festival of democracy and urged everyone to participate in shaping the country's development, security, and welfare by casting their votes whenever their region goes to polls.

After voting in Hyderabad, AIMIM candidate Asaduddin Owaisi speaks the evolving nature of elections, stressing that each one presents unique challenges and issues. He underscored the significance of the ongoing parliamentary election, noting the varied perspectives of the electorate.

"In every election, be it parliamentary or local, it's imperative to approach our opponents with seriousness," Owaisi remarked, emphasising the importance of respecting the electoral process regardless of its scale.

Actor Allu Arjun emphasised the importance of voting, stating, "Please exercise your vote. It's the duty of every citizen in the country." He underscored the significance of the day, highlighting its impact on the nation's trajectory over the next five years. Observing the increasing voter turnout, he remarked, "I am not affiliated with any political party; I remain impartial to all."

AIMIM candidate from Hyderabad, Asaduddin Owaisi casts his vote at a polling booth in Hyderabad.

The Congress party is relying on the six assurances it pledged during the lead-up to last year's assembly elections. Out of these promises, four have already been delivered upon. Additionally, the party has welcomed leaders from other political factions in a bid to bolster its representation, which stood at three seats in 2019. Spearheading the Congress campaign is Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, who has pledged to elevate the party's seat count into double digits.

Firstly, the resurgent Congress aims to replicate its victory in the November 2023 assembly elections. Securing 64 out of 119 assembly seats in Telangana, the Congress terminated the decade-long rule of the K Chandrasekhar Rao-led BRS. Secondly, the BRS finds itself engaged in a struggle for survival following successive setbacks in the aftermath of the 2023 assembly election defeat.

The Election Commission has decided to extend the polling hours for the Lok Sabha elections in Telangana by one hour due to the prevailing heatwave conditions in the state. Accordingly, the new timing for polling will be from 7 am to 6 pm, replacing the earlier timing of 7 am to 5 pm.

This extension applies to several constituencies including Karimnagar, Nizamabad, Zahirabad, Medak, Malkajgiri, Secunderabad, Hyderabad, Chevella, Mahabubnagar, Nagarkurnool (SC), Nalgonda, and Bhongir Lok Sabha seats. Additionally, the extended timing will be enforced in five assembly segments of Adilabad Lok Sabha seat, three of Peddapalle seat, six of Warangal (SC) seat, three of Mahabubabad (ST) seat, and five of Khammam Lok Sabha seat, as stated in the Election Commission's notification.

Nestled in the heart of Telangana, Hyderabad stands as a constituency rich in political heritage and significance. The BJP's selection of Madhavi Latha to contest against incumbent MP and AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi signals the party's intent to challenge the existing order.

Owaisi, a commanding political figure, has maintained control over Hyderabad for four consecutive terms, cementing AIMIM's dominance in the area. The electoral showdown in Hyderabad is poised to be a high-stakes battle, carrying implications that transcend local boundaries.

As Telangana braces for an electrifying electoral spectacle, attention is drawn to several key constituencies and contests set to captivate the nation. Hyderabad, Nizamabad, Karimnagar, Malkajgiri, and Secunderabad emerge as focal points, where fierce electoral battles are anticipated, poised to be closely monitored by observers nationwide.

Amidst the escalating electoral fervour gripping the nation, Telangana gears up for a pivotal showdown as polling for its 17 Lok Sabha seats is slated for the fourth phase on May 13. Once a stronghold of K Chandrashekar Rao's Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), the southern state now finds itself embroiled in a three-cornered contest, with the resurgence of the Congress post its victory in the assembly polls and the BJP's ambitions to extend its influence.

Welcome to Moneycontrol's LIVE blog covering the Telangana elections. Stay tuned for important developments and the latest updates from the state.