Hyderabad: All roads led to Gandhi Bhavan on Sunday, transforming it into a pulsating hub of democratic zeal. From as early as 10 am, the sound of happy slogans and firecrackers resonated through the air.
Nampally emerged as the epicentre of political dynamism, where ardent backers of all three major parties huddled, creating an electrifying atmosphere. Families, undeterred by the political tumult, brought even their youngest members, with children as young as two and six years old, joining the throng at Gandhi Bhavan, eager to catch a glimpse of TPCC chief A. Revanth Reddy, who led the party to victory.
One supporter, who came with her family and 6-year-old daughter, Shalini Motha, said, through the loud celebrations, "It's not just about anti-incumbency that got the party to win, it's also about the promises and guarantees in the manifesto that I think resonated with the people. This win is a testament to the fact that voters believe in the vision put forth by the party."
Slogans painted the air, from the resounding 'CM Revanth anna' to the triumphant 'Maarpu Occhindi (change has come)' and the popular "Bye Bye KCR."
DJs playing popular Congress tunes, especially 'Moodu Rangula Janda Patti' echoed through the excited crowd. The celebration also had crackers bursting orange, red and green confetti into the sky at regular intervals, to go with the song.
The traditional dappu was played as Reddy entered the Gandhi Bhavan.
Amidst this atmosphere, supporters captured the moment with pride, posing alongside towering cutouts of Congress luminaries such as Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Revanth Reddy himself. TD flags too fluttered proudly, some intertwined with Congress flags, symbolising the cadre's support for Reddy.
Just a stone's throw away, AIMIM enthusiasts gathered outside the Nampally counting centre, their eagerness palpable with each passing round of counting. A spirited face-off between MBT and AIMIM supporters, marked by fervent slogans, was swiftly subdued by the vigilant police force on duty. MIM supporters, exuberant in their victory, shared their satisfaction. "We're happy for the win again. It's a reaffirmation of our community's trust in our leadership. This victory is a celebration of our unity and shared aspirations," said Sarfaraz Baig, a fervent supporter.
The BJP office opposite the counting centre, and close to the Congress HQ, remained a serene island, witnessing only a handful of supporters throughout the day.
Those stuck in the traffic, most victims of a few traffic diversion in the area, seemed unbothered by the cacophony of political rivalry and embraced the moment, clicking pictures and sharing in the collective triumph.
As the night descended, the echoes of slogans and the flicker of political fervour lingered long in the air.
