TPCC spokesperson Nizamuddin accuses BJP, BRS of blocking Azharuddin’s cabinet entry

Hyderabad: Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) spokesperson Syed Nizamuddin has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) of jointly conspiring to prevent former Indian cricket captain Mohammed Azharuddin from joining Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s cabinet.

Reacting to a BJP letter to the Chief Electoral Officer alleging a violation of the Model Code of Conduct, Nizamuddin said the complaint was an attempt to deny political representation to minorities. He said Azharuddin, who led the Indian cricket team to global acclaim, fully deserved a place in the Telangana cabinet.

TPCC alleges BJP–BRS collusion over Azharuddin cabinet issue

Nizamuddin alleged that both parties were coordinating to obstruct Azharuddin’s appointment because of his minority background. He recalled that BRS MLC K. Kavitha had earlier admitted to a covert understanding between the two parties, which, he said, explained their common stand on this matter.

“The BJP has no chance of winning in Jubilee Hills. Knowing this, it has fielded a weak candidate at the last moment only to benefit the BRS,” Nizamuddin said. He further claimed that the BJP was pressuring the Governor not to administer the oath of office to Azharuddin. “The BJP’s complaint to the Election Commission is part of this larger conspiracy,” he added.

TPCC cites Rajasthan example to expose BJP’s ‘double standards’

Citing precedents, Nizamuddin pointed out that in December 2023, the BJP government in Rajasthan inducted its own candidate, Surendra Pal Singh, into the state cabinet just 20 days before the Sri Karanpur by-election. “If it was not a violation then, how can the BJP object now? This exposes its double standards,” he said.

He alleged that the BJP’s objections stemmed from prejudice rather than principle. “The BJP is opposing Azharuddin only because he is a minority leader. This mindset exposes its communal politics,” Nizamuddin said.

Congress reaffirms commitment to inclusive governance

Nizamuddin urged voters, especially minorities, to recognise what he described as a political understanding between the BJP and BRS. “Both parties are working together behind the scenes to weaken the Congress and deny minorities their rightful representation. The Congress government under Chief Minister Revanth Reddy remains committed to inclusive governance and justice for all,” he said.