Cabinet Clears Azhar, Kodandaram For MLC Posts

Azharuddin is said to be a serious contender for the upcoming Jubilee Hills Assembly bypoll, and his proposed nomination throws open the field as far as the Congress is concerned.

Azharuddin replaces Amer Ali Khan. The Supreme Court had annulled the previous nominations of both Kodandaram and Amer Ali Khan on August 13.

The fate of both nominations now rests with the Governor, who could either approve them or send them back for reconsideration.

Azharuddin, despite losing in the 2023 Assembly elections in Jubilee Hills, had expressed his desire to contest the bypoll after the demise of MLA Maganti Gopinath of the BRS. The former cricketer had even met Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi, hoping to secure the party’s endorsement.

The Congress seems to be rethinking its strategy for the Jubilee Hills bypoll. Reports suggest that the party is considering fielding a candidate from the Backward Classes community, with names such as Naveen Yadav and Bonthu Rammohan being mentioned.
The nomination of Azharuddin under the Governor’s quota has sparked debate, particularly with the likelihood of objections from the AIMIM. The Congress has also been under pressure due to the absence of a minister in the Cabinet from the minority community, and it is speculated that Azharuddin’s MLC nomination could be part of a broader strategy to address the issue.
Prof. Kodandaram, who was initially cleared by the Revanth Reddy Cabinet for the MLC nomination under the Governor’s quota back in January 2024, is making his third attempt after previous setbacks. His appointment had faced legal challenges, but the Congress government has continued to back him.