Telangana post-poll drama: Defeated candidates face backlash for asking voters to return campaign gifts

In Medchal-Malkajgiri district, Congress candidate M Jyothi, who lost to a BRS rival in the 12th ward of Mudichintala municipality, was recorded going door-to-door with supporters, asking voters to return sarees and money.

A week after municipal election results were declared in Telangana, several defeated candidates have sparked a post-poll controversy by reportedly asking voters to return cash and gifts they distributed during the campaign. Videos circulating on social media show candidates or their relatives visiting homes and demanding repayment, in some cases leading to tense confrontations.

In Medchal-Malkajgiri district, Congress candidate M Jyothi, who lost to a BRS rival in the 12th ward of Mudichintala municipality, was recorded going door-to-door with supporters, asking voters to return sarees and money. Residents resisted, however.

Similarly, in Yadadri Bhongir municipality, Congress candidate Swaroopa Rani and her family reportedly pressured residents to return gifts. "If they gave us something, it was voluntary. We cannot be forced to return it," as per a local resident interacting with the media.

In Mancherial, BJP candidate Jadi Thirupathi, who lost Division No. 9 in Seetharampalli by 16 votes, allegedly retrieved cash he had distributed during the campaign, reportedly Rs 3,000 per vote.

Meanwhile, Congress candidate Minda Haribabu in Kothagudem, who gave Rs 2,500 and a pressure cooker to each household in Ward 10, also demanded returns from residents he suspected had not voted for him, but ultimately won the seat.

Videos show some candidates marking voters’ names after receiving assurances that they had supported them. In Yellampet, near Hyderabad, the husband of a defeated independent candidate allegedly asked residents either to return money or "swear" they had voted for his wife.

Despite the viral videos, Telangana State Election Commission officials told reporters that no formal complaints had been received and that they had not yet verified the footage.