As the clock ticks towards the MLC elections in Telangana, key contenders such as Mohammed Ali Shabbir, Zafar Javeed, Mohammed Azharuddin and Khusro Pasha take center stage in a high-stakes political showdown. The dynamics of the race intensify, with speculation surrounding the coveted MLC seats and their potential role in Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s cabinet.
Hyderabad : – As the Election Commission reveals the timetable for the upcoming election of two Member of Legislative Council (MLC) seats under the legislators’ quota, the Congress party finds itself entangled in a spirited competition. Speculation is rife within Congress circles that securing one of these coveted seats could potentially open the doors to Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s cabinet.
The approaching elections, scheduled for January 29, promise a fierce contest among prominent Congress figures, each ambitiously vying for the MLC seat. The deadline for filing nominations is set for January 19, showcasing influential personalities such as former minister Mohammed Ali Shabbir, Zafar Javeed, an educationist and senior Vice-President of TPCC, and the President of the prestigious Nizam Club Hyderabad. Former MP Mohammed Azharuddin and former Wakf Board chairman Syed Shah Ghulam Afzal Biyabani (Khusro Pasha), is also emerging as a front-runner. Other contenders include senior leaders Feroz Khan, Faheem Qureishi, and Azmathullah Hussaini.
The electoral dynamics suggest that Congress stands a chance to secure one MLC seat, while an alliance with the friendly party AIMIM could potentially clinch another for the BRS. This strategic move aligns with the Congress party’s goal to diversify its cabinet representation, placing particular emphasis on the necessity of a Muslim face ahead of the looming Lok Sabha elections. In a noteworthy development, the 2023 Telangana Assembly elections mark the first instance where neither Congress nor BRS has been able to secure a successful Muslim candidate.
A senior AICC leader emphasized the importance of including a Muslim representative in the state cabinet, given the substantial Muslim population in Telangana, exceeding 14 percent. The influence of Muslim votes is expected to play a pivotal role in key parliamentary constituencies, including Hyderabad, Secunderabad, Zaheerabad, Nizamabad, Karimnagar, Mahbubnagar, Warangal, and Khammam.
To secure victory, a candidate needs 40.66 votes, and the question remains whether the election authorities will adhere to 40 or extend it to 41 votes. The anticipation intensifies as the political landscape heats up with the announcement of the election schedule by the Election Commission of India. The MLC seats became vacant following the resignation of BRS leaders Kadiyam Srihari and Padi Kaushik Reddy, who transitioned to MLAs. The official election notification is scheduled for January 11, with nominations accepted until January 18. Scrutiny of nominations will take place on January 19, and the final withdrawal of candidatures is permitted until January 22. The actual elections are slated for January 29, adding an extra layer of excitement to the unfolding political drama.”
