Telangana’s Reddy Government Appoints Former Cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin as Minister Amidst Political Storm

Congress leader and ex-Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin took the oath of office as a minister in Telangana. The BJP strongly objected to this decision, linking it to the upcoming Jubilee Hills by-election.

Azharuddin Joins Cabinet, Sparks BJP Protest

Congress leader and former cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin has been sworn in as a minister. Governor Jishnu Dev Varma administered the oath to him. The Congress government, led by Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, proposed Mohammad Azharuddin’s inclusion in the cabinet. However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) raised a strong objection to this move. The BJP alleged the decision violates the Model Code of Conduct. They linked it directly to the Jubilee Hills Assembly by-election (Jubilee Hills Bypoll).

BJP Cites Code of Conduct Violation

Marri Shashidhar Reddy, Chairman of the BJP’s Election Commission Affairs Committee, met with Chief Electoral Officer C. Sudarshan Reddy. He demanded that the swearing-in ceremony be immediately stopped. The BJP argued that making Azharuddin a minister attempts to influence voters before the Jubilee Hills bypoll. Marri Shashidhar Reddy pointed out that Azharuddin is a voter in Jubilee Hills. He was also a Congress candidate there in 2023. The BJP stated this action is an attempt to sway a specific class of voters. They declared this step is entirely against the election’s Model Code of Conduct.

Congress Slams Allegations, Calls it Communal Politics

The Congress strongly countered the BJP’s accusations, labelling them as communal politics. State Congress spokesperson and MP Chamala Kiran Kumar Reddy stated the BJP cannot tolerate a prominent minority leader entering the cabinet. He further accused the BJP of inciting communal sentiments in Jubilee Hills. The Congress also alleged that the BJP is secretly collaborating with the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). This alleged alliance aims to prevent the Congress from strengthening its secular image.

Azharuddin is Nation’s Pride: Congress

Congress spokesperson Addanki Dayakar commented on the situation. He said that Azharuddin is the pride of the nation. He has brought glory to India on the cricket field. Making communal remarks about him is deeply unfortunate, he added. He reminded the BJP that they themselves had expanded the cabinet in Rajasthan 20 days before a by-election. He stated that the BJP did not consider that action a violation of the Model Code of Conduct at the time.