Jubilee Hills is not just any seat; it is a trophy constituency on the state’s political chessboard. For the BJP, the stakes are higher than ever. A win here would be a shot in the arm – a sign that the saffron surge can make inroads in Hyderabad’s mix of elite and lower- and middle-class voters.
Published Oct 10, 2025 | 7:31 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 10, 2025 | 7:31 PM
Former Hyderabad Mayor Bonthu Rammohan and Nizamabad MP Dharmapuri Arvind
Synopsis: Nizamabad MP Dharmapuri Arvind has put forward former Hyderabad Mayor Bonthu Rammohan as a strong candidate for the BJP in the upcoming Jubilee Hills by-election, citing Rammohan’s past links with the ABVP, his administrative experience as Mayor of Hyderabad, and his influence among Backward Class (BC) voters, particularly the Munnuru Kapus. His detractors, however, describe it as political discrimination – “rewarding a Congress man at the expense of loyal workers.”
The Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) search for a candidate for the upcoming Jubilee Hills by-election has turned into a tug-of-war between factions, with former Hyderabad Mayor Bonthu Rammohan emerging as a surprising contender.
The by-election, set for November 11, follows the death of Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) MLA Maganti Gopinath. For the BJP, the contest is more than just winning another urban seat – it is a test of its relevance in Hyderabad politics.
At the centre of the internal politics is Nizamabad MP Dharmapuri Arvind. Known for his firebrand politics and caste calculations, he has reportedly put forth Rammohan’s name in party forums, asserting that he is a strong candidate and that his caste, Munnuru Kapu, would be an advantage. Notably, Arvind also belongs to the same caste.
Rammohan served as Hyderabad Mayor from 2016 to 2020 under the TRS (now BRS). In recent months, he has been an active Congress voice and had pinned high hopes on a Congress ticket, but it eluded him, leaving him deeply disappointed.
Arvind has cited Rammohan’s past links with the ABVP, his administrative experience as Mayor of Hyderabad, and his influence among Backward Class (BC) voters, mainly the Munnuru Kapus who outnumber Yadavas in the constituency, to the BJP state leadership.
Arvind’s calculation is simple: he believes Rammohan would be the party’s best bet in a BC-dominated seat. His detractors, however, call it political discrimination – “rewarding a Congress man at the expense of loyal workers.”
Rammohan, for his part, continues to play coy. He has denied any formal move, dismissing the chatter as “baseless propaganda.” He insists on loyalty to his current party.
But his political future remains uncertain. Hyderabad’s grapevine is abuzz with speculation that his denial may be a tactical pause before he makes a big political move.
While the Arvind–Rammohan story continues to play out, the BJP’s three-member screening committee comprising former MLA M Dharma Rao, former MP Pothuganti Ramulu, and senior advocate Komala Anjaneyulu has been weighing caste equations, past performance, and winnability.
After marathon consultations with party workers and community leaders, the panel has shortlisted seven contenders – each with their own backers and influence.
Those in the running include:
The final decision will rest with the central leadership in Delhi, expected by October 15. For now, lobbying continues through social media campaigns, community outreach, and strategic leaks.
Jubilee Hills is not just any seat; it is a trophy constituency on the state’s political chessboard. The BRS has already announced its nominee, aiming to retain its stronghold.
The Congress, which fielded BC leader Naveen Yadav, sees this as an opportunity to consolidate its urban base after a poor showing in the GHMC limits in the last Assembly elections.
For the BJP, the stakes are higher than ever. A win here would be a shot in the arm – a sign that the saffron surge can make inroads in Hyderabad’s mix of elite and lower- and middle-class voters.
Internal party surveys peg its base vote share at 15–20 percent, but leaders believe a strong candidate could change the equation.
With nomination deadlines approaching and Delhi’s high command holding the final say, the suspense deepens. Will the BJP gamble on Rammohan, or reward its homegrown loyalists?
For the Telangana BJP, this bypoll could decide whether the party rises or falters in its urban reach.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
