Rama Krishna Sangem
Senior Congress leader and former cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin, 62, was sworn in as a minister in Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s cabinet at around 12.30 noon, on Octoober 31, Friday. With suspense ended over whether or not his swearing in ceremony take place as per the schedule. BJP raising an objection on Azharuddin’s induction caused some suspense.
BJP found fault with Azharuddin being made a minister barely two weeks before the Jubilee Hills assembly by-election as it violates model code of conduct announced the Election Commission of India. Telangana State Electoral Officer Sudharshan Reddy sought clarification on BJP’s letter from the EC on October 30. The EC cleared the swearing in of Azharuddin.
In a ceremony held at Raj Bhavan, Governor Jishnu Dev Verma administered the oath of office and secrecy to the former Indian cricket captain in the presence of senior leaders, including the Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and all his 14 Cabinet colleagues. With the induction of Azharuddin, CM Revanth Cabinet size increased to 16. Two more can be taken in. The brief swearing in ceremony was limited to Azharuddin alone.
Now experts are assessing the impact of Azharuddin’s entry into the Revanth Reddy led Congress government in Telangana. At two levels it is being seen: One, his influence on the voters, particularly Muslims, of Jubilee Hills by-election, Here Muslims constitute around 1.13 lakh out of the total 4.01 lakh voters. Already, AIMIM is supporting Congress candidate Naveen Yadav. Azharuddin’s elevation will only consolidate Congress base, if not otherwises.
Next level is Azharuddin’s promotion is expected to benefit Congress-RJD alliance in Bihar assembly elections. In Bihar, Congress-RJD had no truck with AIMIM and Tejashwi Yadav had even alleged that Asaduddin Owaisi is indirectly helping BJP by splitting Muslim votes. Congress high command is of the view that Azharuddin appeal is at all India level, as he is a renowned cricketer and captained Team India. He once represented Moradabad Lok Sabha seat in UP, from 2009-2014.
Two senior Congress MLAs given posts
To placate some senior MLAs aspiring minister posts, Congress has accommodate two of them with nominated posts. Bodhan MLA and former minister Sudharshan Reddy is made Advisor to the Telangana government. Mancherial MLA K Premsagar Rao has been appointed as chairman of Telangana State Civil Supplies Corporation. Reddy will look after implementation of Six Guarantees of the Congress party promised before 2023 December elections.
