Azharuddin’s MLC pick sparks minority ire, exposes Congress faultlines

The Telangana Congress’s decision to nominate former MP Mohammed Azharuddin to the Legislative Council under the Governor’s quota has led to unrest within the party and criticism from minority leaders. The move, seen as sidelining Urdu journalist Amer Ali Khan, comes amid growing internal tensions over the upcoming Jubilee Hills by-election

Hyderabad: The Telangana Congress’s decision to nominate former MP Mohammed Azharuddin to the Legislative Council has not only raised questions about its commitment towards minorities but also triggered discontent among aspirants from different communities eyeing the Jubilee Hills by-election.

The State Cabinet, at its meeting on August 30, approved the nomination of Azharuddin and Professor Kodandaram Reddy under the Governor’s quota. The move has upset sections of the minority community.

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Azharuddin replaces Urdu daily Siasat Editor Amer Ali Khan. Since he is an active Congress leader, concerns are being raised over the possibility of his nomination being rejected under the Governor’s quota.

MBT leader and former corporator Amjed Ullah Khan criticised the decision, stating: “Revanth Reddy is fooling Telangana Muslims and plans to offer the Jubilee Hills ticket to a Hindu candidate.”

The nomination has also sharpened differences among Congress aspirants from various communities. BRS turncoat and Khairatabad MLA Danam Nagender has expressed interest in contesting the Jubilee Hills by-election. Former Mayor Bonthu Rammohan and Congress leader Naveen Yadav, both from the BC community, are also in the fray.

Similarly, former MP Ranjith Reddy and Rahmath Nagar Corporator CN Reddy are keen on contesting. The Congress leadership is considering fielding a BC candidate to demonstrate its commitment to the community, particularly in light of the uncertainty surrounding the extension of 42 per cent reservations for BCs in local body elections.

However, such plans could face resistance from the party’s upper caste leaders. The Reddy community has already expressed dissatisfaction after being sidelined in the Cabinet expansion in June, with MLAs Komatireddy Rajgopal Reddy, Sudershan Reddy and others voicing displeasure.

If Danam Nagender is fielded, it could jeopardise the political future of GHMC Corporator P Vijaya Reddy, daughter of former CLP leader late P Janardhan Reddy. Nagender and Vijaya Reddy have long been at odds.

Nagender, who contested the Secunderabad Lok Sabha elections last year, reportedly insisted that his son-in-law Abhinav be given the Khairatabad Assembly ticket if he had won the parliamentary seat. By eyeing Jubilee Hills now, Nagender hopes to secure Khairatabad for future elections, a move that could further dent Vijaya Reddy’s prospects.