The government’s declaration of a holiday on polling day, November 30, for the Telangana elections prompted a mass exodus of Hyderabad residents heading home to cast their votes. Crowds reminiscent of festive eve gatherings filled MGBS and JBS bus stations as people, determined to exercise their voting rights, embarked on journeys to their hometowns.
The scenes resembled a festival eve as buses reached full capacity, leaving individuals vying for standing room, undeterred by the lack of seats. While some voluntarily returned to vote, there was a notable influx of voters influenced by the poll management strategies of political parties. Local leaders from major parties reportedly urged and mobilized residents in Hyderabad to return to their villages for voting.
The phenomenon highlighted the civic enthusiasm as city dwellers actively participated in the democratic process, striving to contribute to their preferred party and leader’s success in their respective constituencies. Many individuals, living in Hyderabad for work or business reasons, seized the opportunity to exercise their voting rights in their hometowns, emphasizing the significance they placed on participating in the electoral process.