Bhatti Vikramarka accuses BJP of pressuring Governor to block Azharuddin’s cabinet entry

Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Thursday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of trying to influence Governor Jushnu Dev Varma to stop Congress leader and former cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin from being sworn in as a minister.

Speaking at a press conference at Gandhi Bhavan, Vikramarka alleged that the BJP and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) were secretly working together to ensure the BRS wins the upcoming Jubilee Hills Assembly bypoll.

“It has come to light that the BJP is putting pressure on the Governor not to administer the oath to Azharuddin. However, the Governor is a respected person and will not bow to such pressure,” Vikramarka said.

He added that appointing a popular and respected sportsperson like Azharuddin as a Cabinet minister would be an honour not only for sportspersons in Telangana and across India but also for the people who look up to him. “It is a proud moment for all citizens when a sports icon enters public service,” he stated.

In a separate press meet, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president B Mahesh Kumar Goud also hit out at the BJP, accusing it of creating unnecessary hurdles. “When the Chief Minister wants to induct Azharuddin into the Cabinet, the BJP is making baseless and malicious attempts to stop it,” Goud said.

He praised Azharuddin’s achievements, noting that the former cricketer not only brought fame to India in the sports world but also served the people as a Member of Parliament. “We are confident that Azharuddin, as a minister, will work hard for the welfare of minorities and all sections of society,” he added.

Meanwhile, the BJP on Thursday submitted a memorandum to the Chief Electoral Officer, arguing that Azharuddin’s induction would affect the Jubilee Hills bypoll and violate the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). However, officials clarified that the MCC is not applicable to the entire city.