BJP alleges political motive behind Azharuddin’s possible cabinet induction

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly objected to the possible induction of former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin into the Telangana state cabinet, calling it a politically motivated move aimed at influencing voters ahead of the Jubilee Hills Assembly bypoll.

On Thursday, the BJP submitted a memorandum to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the state, claiming that the proposal violated the Model Code of Conduct (MCC). The party said that even though the MCC is not applicable to the entire city of Hyderabad, such an announcement could affect the by-election atmosphere in the Jubilee Hills constituency.

According to reports, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is considering inducting Azharuddin to ensure minority representation in his cabinet, as no Muslim minister is currently serving. The Congress party has not officially confirmed the move, but sources suggest that it could be announced soon.

However, many political observers believe the timing of this decision is not coincidental. The Jubilee Hills by-election is scheduled for November 11, and Muslims make up nearly a quarter of the constituency’s voters. Analysts and local media have described the move as part of the Congress party’s “minority outreach” strategy, designed to attract Muslim votes and strengthen the party’s chances in the bypoll.

The BJP argued in its memorandum that the government’s intention was not about governance or representation but about “wooing a section of voters.” “This proposal is nothing but an attempt to influence the electorate,” the memorandum said, urging the CEO to take immediate action and prevent the move.

Political experts note that Azharuddin, who currently serves as the working president of the Telangana Congress, had contested and lost from the same Jubilee Hills seat in the 2023 Assembly elections. His sudden elevation now, they say, could be a way to boost his public image and indirectly benefit the Congress candidate in the upcoming by-poll.

While Congress leaders have not commented publicly, sources close to the party say the decision also aims to showcase inclusivity and strengthen the government’s image in Hyderabad. Yet, opposition parties maintain that the timing makes it look like an election stunt rather than a genuine administrative decision.