Hyderabad: In a decision that could reshape the political equations in Telangana, the state cabinet, chaired led by chief minister A Revanth Reddy, Saturday cleared the nomination of TPCC working president Mohammed Azharuddin and retired prof M Kodandaram for two MLC seats under the governor’s quota.The move has surprised many, especially with Azharuddin’s name replacing that of Amer Ali Khan, whose nomination to the council was struck down by the Supreme Court along with that of Kodandaram.While the cabinet decided to renominate Kodandaram, Azharuddin was picked in place of Amer Ali. Revenue minister, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, announced the decision after the cabinet meeting, which was convened inside the assembly after the conclusion of the monsoon session’s first day.Party insiders told TOI that the Congress leadership’s decision to send Azharuddin to the legislative council is more than just symbolic. It is being viewed as a carefully crafted strategy ahead of the Jubilee Hills assembly by-election, necessitated by the death of BRS legislator Maganti Gopinath.“By moving Azharuddin to the Council, the Congress has more leeway to field a candidate with a higher winning probability in Jubilee Hills,” a senior party member said.The by-election, yet to be scheduled by the Election Commission, is expected around Oct-Nov, possibly alongside Bihar assembly elections.Azharuddin, who contested the Jubilee Hills seat in 2023 but lost to Gopinath, was initially seen as a strong contender for the bypoll ticket. His nomination to the Council now signals a recalibration of the party’s electoral strategy.Political circles are abuzz with speculation that Azharuddin may soon find a place in the state cabinet, which currently has three vacancies.“Firstly, there is no Muslim face in Revanth’s cabinet. Secondly, Greater Hyderabad has no representation in terms of district equations. Azharuddin fits both considerations,” another senior functionary said.Aspirants within the party remain watchful, as winning the Jubilee Hills by-election is being projected as a direct route to the cabinet.The nominations of Kodandaram and Amer Ali had earlier run into legal hurdles. The Supreme Court stayed them on the ground that the appointments were made while litigation over the governor’s quota vacancies was pending. Dasoju Sravan and Kurra Satyanarayana from BRS filed the case challenging the govt’s move. By renominating Kodandaram and picking Azharuddin, the cabinet has attempted to resolve the issue while sending a strong political message.Azharuddin’s elevation through the Council not only boosts Congress’s minority and Hyderabad representation but also recalibrates the contest for the high-profile Jubilee Hills seat, setting the stage for an intense political battle in the months ahead, political analysts said.
