Hyderabad: A section of senior Congress leaders is reportedly working to block former MP Mohammad Azharuddin’s possible candidature in the upcoming Jubilee Hills Assembly bypoll, citing fears of losing strategic hold over the Hyderabad region.
Party sources said efforts were underway to ensure that Azharuddin, who has long been seen as aligned with the Congress high command, does not secure the ticket. The concern, according to insiders, is that if Azharuddin wins and enters the Cabinet, it could shift power away from regional factions and into the hands of national-aligned leaders. Hyderabad and Ranga Reddy districts currently have no ministerial representation.
Given the likelihood that the bypoll winner will be considered for a Cabinet berth, a key state leader is said to be actively preparing to field a loyalist instead. Sources indicated this move is aimed at retaining grip over Hyderabad’s political and administrative space.
Party leaders expressed apprehension that allowing Azharuddin into the Cabinet would strengthen his faction and diminish the influence of the local bloc.
With over 3.75 lakh votes in the Jubilee Hills segment more than 1.25 lakh of them Muslim Azharuddin is believed to be the high command’s preferred choice. The minority vote share is expected to be decisive, prompting speculation that a section of local leaders is encouraging the AIMIM to enter the fray as a counterweight.
The AIMIM recently warned that it would contest the seat if the Congress fielded a minority candidate. State leaders reportedly flagged this to the party’s central leadership, warning it could lead to a split in votes and a likely defeat.
Three names are being considered by the faction opposing Azharuddin. One is a close aide of the senior leader, currently facing allegations in a past misconduct case linked to a beauty pageant. Despite the controversy, he remains the preferred pick due to his proximity and shared community background with Azharuddin though the AIMIM’s objections would likely apply to him as well.
If ruled out, the party may back a former MP and businessman who recently crossed over from the BRS. Seen as financially capable of bearing election costs and viable for both the MLA seat and a Cabinet role, he is reportedly under serious consideration. If that option also fails, a third candidate an education portfolio shadow minister with close ties to the key leader is being kept in reserve.
Azharuddin has already made his intentions clear, announcing his candidature publicly and speaking to the media. The move drew criticism from within the party, and state Congress leaders are understood to have escalated the matter to Meenakshi Natarajan. Sources said she reprimanded Azharuddin for the unilateral announcement.
Nearly ten aspirants are believed to be in contention, including former MLA Feroz Khan, Vijayareddy, Naveen Yadav, ex-Mayor Bonthu Rammohan, minority leader Faheem Qureshi, and city DCC president Rohin Reddy.
