Former Indian cricket captain Mohammed Azharuddin has been sworn in as a Minister in Revanth Reddy's cabinet, with Governor Jishnu Dev Varma administering the oath.
Many believe this move aims to attract Minority voters in the Jubilee Hills constituency, where their presence is significant. The timing has sparked debate as the Model Code of Conduct is currently in force.
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The induction news surfaced two days earlier, and a complaint was filed with the Election Commission yesterday. However, the EC did not act within the 24-hour window before the swearing-in. This inaction has led to speculation that the BJP might quietly prefer a Congress win.
BJP is currently closer to the Opposition role in Telangana but far from power. Some believe it may want Congress to win so that BRS weakens further, helping BJP emerge as the principal Opposition force. A defeat here could dampen BRS morale and slow its revival.
To avoid criticism, BJP has filed a complaint but critics suggest it did not genuinely push for action. BJP's weak candidate and low-energy campaign have added to this speculation, with claims it is only splitting anti-incumbency votes.
Now that the swearing-in is complete, it is unclear whether the EC can intervene. Even if any action comes, Revanth Reddy has already made his political statement and may simply re-appoint Azharuddin after polling.
The by-election results will be declared on November 14. This contest is crucial for Revanth Reddy, who faces internal resistance within Congress. Senior leaders reportedly see him as junior and want to challenge his position.
His cabinet colleagues too are not fully aligned with him. A loss could intensify efforts to undermine him and trigger attempts to replace him. The by-poll is therefore extremely important for his leadership.
A defeat would also energise the Opposition. BRS is already active in Opposition space, and a renewed push from them could complicate Revanth's governance further.
Tags: CongressRevanth Reddy#TOPSTORIES
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About the AuthorSridhar RaaviSridhar is a highly experienced hand in Telugu politics, writing and analyzing political happenings in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. An IT engineer turned news junkie, Sridhar has a sharp eye for catching news as it unfo…ADVERTISEMENT