Legal Case Filed Against Congress Leader Naveen Yadav for Unauthorized Voter ID Distribution in Hyderabad

Telangana Congress leader Naveen Yadav is facing legal action for allegedly distributing counterfeit voter identification cards prior to the Jubilee Hills by-election.

Authorities have registered a police case against Yadav following a newspaper publication that featured photographs showing him distributing voter ID cards to residents in the area.

The Madhura Nagar police have filed charges under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections 170 (bribery), 171 (undue influence at elections), and 174 (punishment for undue influence or personation at an election). Additional charges under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, specifically sections 123(1) and 123(2) related to corrupt practices, have also been included.

BJP MP Raghunandan Rao escalated the issue by submitting a formal complaint to the Election Commission on Monday, providing photographic evidence of the alleged violation.

Investigations suggest that the accused obtained electronic EPIC (Elector's Photo Identity Card) copies from legitimate EPIC holders, subsequently printing and laminating them for distribution. The distributed cards apparently lacked the official hologram, as evidenced in circulated photographs and videos of the event.

Sources close to Yadav informed NDTV that the distributed items were merely laminated photocopies without holograms, intended as part of a voter awareness campaign to encourage participation rather than authentic EPIC cards.

According to Election Commission protocols, only designated Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are authorized to distribute Voter ID cards, and this must occur under direct supervision from the Election Commission and local electoral authorities.

Yadav is widely considered the leading candidate for the Congress party ticket in the upcoming Jubilee Hills Assembly constituency by-election.

The Election Commission of India has scheduled the by-election for November 11, as announced on Monday.

The alleged distribution took place during a public event titled "Voter Cards Distribution Programme" held at the Congress office near Yousufguda check-post in Hyderabad.

According to the investigation, the event occurred before the Dasara festival (prior to October 2, 2025), not immediately before the complaint was registered.

The program reportedly featured political leaders and party banners, suggesting an intent to influence voters—potentially constituting bribery or undue influence under electoral legislation.

Jubilee Hills is one of fifteen constituencies in Hyderabad, the capital city of Telangana.