Synopsis : Even after blatant violations of the poll conduct ahead of the Jubilee Hills by-election, including communal speech by Union MoS Bandi Sanjay, the Election Commission failed to take any action. The lack of any action shows how those in power have grown accustomed to turning a blind eye to corruption and illegality.

The Jubilee Hills by-election in Telangana — fiercely fought among the ruling Congress, the Opposition BRS, and the BJP as the main contenders — is now over. The result will be out on Friday, 14 November.

Whoever wins or loses, this is the right moment to reflect on how this election was conducted, particularly on the nature of the speeches made by political leaders during the campaign, and more broadly, on the illegalities embedded in our electoral system itself.

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