The by-election for the Jubilee Hills Assembly constituency has unexpectedly transformed into a powerful platform for numerous groups to vocalize their deep-seated discontent with current government policies. A significant number of candidates, especially those who submitted their nominations on the final day, did so purely as a form of protest, driven by grievances ranging from forced displacement to chronic deprivation.
By the official deadline on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, a total of 321 nominations were submitted by 211 candidates. A substantial portion of these, precisely 194 nominations from 117 individuals, arrived on the very last day, highlighting a surge in protest participation.
According to government sources, the Returning Officer received nomination forms from at least three prominent protest groups. These included pensioners who have been struggling for a long time to receive their retirement benefits from the State. Others joining the electoral fray in protest were residents facing property loss due to the ambitious Regional Ring Road (RRR) project, along with villagers actively opposing the controversial Pharma City project. Additionally, a collective of unemployed youth also reportedly put forward their nominations for the by-election.
Saraswathi Kavula, the convenor of the Anti-Pharma City Movement, confirmed that ten individuals from six different villages and hamlets — specifically Kurmidda, Marlakunta Tanda, Mangaligadda Tanda, Medipally, Nanak Nagar, and Thatiparthi in Ranga Reddy district — filed their nominations in direct opposition to the Pharma City initiative.
The scrutiny of these nominations is scheduled for Wednesday, October 22, 2025, with the final list of eligible candidates expected to be announced by the evening. Candidates have until October 24 to withdraw their nominations, and the polling day is set for November 11.
Officials have indicated that the maximum capacity for electronic voting involves four sets of control units, each connected to four Electronic Voting Machines. Should all 211 nominations prove valid after scrutiny, this particular election would necessitate the use of all available four control units. However, if the total number of valid candidates were to exceed 255, the election process would then require a paper ballot system.