Low voter turnout prompts knocking on doors of residents in Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: Owing to poor voter turnout in Hyderabad Parliament Constituency during the Telangana Lok Sabha Elections 2024, people were spotted knocking the gates and doors of residents, urging them to come out and vote.
Voter response in Hyderabad to the Lok Sabha elections 2024 remained muted even as the Telangana state government declared a paid holiday on May 13, 2024 (Monday) to enable the electorate to exercise their vote and perform their civic duty. At a tardy pace, the Hyderabad parliamentary constituency saw the lowest turnout with just 5 percent of votes cast in the first two hours.
This low voting percentage prompted supporters in the old city to knock on the main doors and gates of several residents, calling them to cast their votes. While some viewed this as a form of educating people to participate in elections, others raised concerns about privacy intrusion.
Twitterati’s response to door-knocking
Replicating the atmosphere during the Telangana Assembly elections in 2023, the less-than-desired interest in elections is evident in Hyderabad residents. However, is it right to knock on doors for votes?
#Hyderabad—- With low percentage of voting being recorded in Hyderabad Parliament Constituency, people were spotted knocking the gates and doors of residents to come out and vote. pic.twitter.com/ep9DZwLe1G
— @Coreena Enet Suares (@CoreenaSuares2) May 13, 2024
‘best to educate people to cast their votes’, says one user, while another calls it ‘Harassment’
High respects to these citizens who are trying their best to educate people to cast their votes 🙏
— Prasad_Ram (@bprasad921) May 13, 2024
Harassment?
— Mazhar (@mazharsrk26) May 13, 2024
Responding to people’s lack of interest in voting, some raised concerns that the fundamental of constituency is at stake
Absolutely irresponsible and Shameful behaviour, Ppl should realize how important a Vote is ! This attitude of not voting is worst behaviour ! Please vote HYD
— A z E e M 🔆 (@princeeazeem) May 13, 2024
Some others, although disappointed with low voter turnout, said, ‘Forced voting is equally dangerous’
Forced voting is equally dangerous. It is like taking people for granted that they will vote for them only.
— Sai Bharadwaj (@saibharadwaj) May 13, 2024
Polling percentage across constituencies in Telangana
The city’s polling percentage showed much better turnouts later in the day, as the percentage of voting in Hyderabad constituency went up to 29 percent by around 3:30PM, while at 10 AM the percentage of voters in the city was only at 5 percent and at around 11am, it went up to 10 percent.
However, Hyderabad failed to reach at least half mark as per the Election Commission of India App. In contrast, the voter turnout in 14 of the 17 Lok Sabha constituencies in Telangana crossed halfway mark with an average voter turnout of 61.16 per cent as of 5PM
#Telangana– At 5 PM the poll percentage stands at 61.16%
Lowest —
Hyderabad: 39.17%
Secunderabad- 42.48%
Malkajgiri- 46.25%Highest—
Bhongir- 72.34%
Zahirabad- 71.91%
Medak- 71.33%Check your constituency here 👇 pic.twitter.com/63MiY4LlK7
— @Coreena Enet Suares (@CoreenaSuares2) May 13, 2024
The voting began at 7 am and ended at 6 pm, barring a few places where it concluded early.
CM Revanth Reddy reorganizes disaster management for Greater Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has decided to assign critical responsibilities to the Disaster Management Department within Greater Hyderabad. He has directed officials to implement structural changes and redistribute responsibilities accordingly. In a review meeting at the Secretariat on Monday evening, the Chief Minister discussed the reorganization with officials from Municipal Administration, HMDA, and Musi Development.
Expansion of disaster management responsibilities
Recognizing the geographic expansion of Hyderabad, the Chief Minister ordered the Disaster Management Department to extend its jurisdiction to the Outer Ring Road. He suggested including GHMC, 27 surrounding municipalities and corporations, and 33 gram panchayats within its service area. The department will be renamed the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring Protection (HYDRA). The Chief Minister proposed appointing a DIG-level officer as the director and SP-level officers as additional directors. He also recommended special teams from GHMC, HMDA, the Water Board, city traffic, and other departments to join this new division.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for the Disaster Management Department to offer continuous services to city residents, not just during floods or emergencies. HYDRA should actively address all issues faced by Hyderabad’s citizens, including preserving the city’s tanks and ponds, protecting government properties from encroachments, and managing hoardings and flex banners. Additionally, HYDRA will oversee water pipelines, electricity supply lines, drainage, flood management, and traffic control.
Focus on heritage and infrastructure projects
Chief Minister Reddy directed the acceleration of the Musi River Development Project, aiming to elevate Hyderabad’s international reputation. He stressed the importance of working towards the government’s goal of transforming this project into a landmark. He also ordered officials to take necessary actions to restore historical buildings and structures within the city. The GHMC presented a PowerPoint on various heritage sites, such as the City Library, Charminar Ayurvedic Hospital, and Nizamia Observatory etc. The Chief Minister encouraged exploring ways to develop these sites for tourism and integrating feasible ones into the Musi River Development Project.
The Chief Minister instructed Chief Secretary Shantikumar to draft a comprehensive reorganization plan, including staffing, duties, and budget allocations for HYDRA. He also emphasized identifying key areas where the Disaster Management Department can enhance its operations.
The meeting included Chief Secretary Shantikumar, Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration and Urban Development Danakishore, GHMC Commissioner Amrapali, GHMC Vigilance Disaster Management Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, and Hyderabad Water Board MD Ashok Reddy.
