Will Congress Nominate Local Candidate for Jubilee Hills Bypoll?
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Synopsis
In an exciting political development, Telangana Minister Ponnam Prabhakar hints that former cricket captain Mohammed Azharuddin could be the Congress candidate for the Jubilee Hills by-election. With a focus on local representation, the party is determined to ensure that only candidates from the constituency are considered. Will this strategy lead to success for Congress?
Key Takeaways
- Local Representation: Congress emphasizes the importance of fielding candidates from the constituency.
- Azharuddin's Candidacy: The former cricket captain aims to leverage his local popularity.
- Party Unity: Congress members are expected to unite to support the chosen candidate.
- Selection Process: An extensive procedure for candidate nomination is in place.
- Recent Appointments: Azharuddin's son has also taken on a significant role within the party.
Hyderabad, July 29 (NationPress) Indicating that former Indian cricket captain Mohammed Azharuddin may be the Congress candidate for the upcoming by-election in the Telangana Assembly representing the Jubilee Hills constituency, Telangana Minister Ponnam Prabhakar asserted on Tuesday that the party will not consider any outsiders for the position.
Ponnam Prabhakar, who oversees Hyderabad as the in-charge minister, informed the media during a press conference alongside Azharuddin that the party leadership would ultimately determine the candidate.
He emphasized that a candidate from within the constituency will be selected as the Congress nominee, making it clear that outsiders will not be given an opportunity to secure a party ticket.
The Minister for Backward Classes Welfare and Transport expressed confidence that the party's members would unite in support of whichever candidate is chosen by the party high command.
He radiated optimism that the Congress party will raise its flag in the Jubilee Hills constituency.
The need for the by-election arose following the passing of sitting MLA Maganti Gopinath of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS). Gopinath, who had previously defeated Azharuddin by over 16,000 votes in 2023, succumbed to a cardiac arrest on June 8.
Azharuddin, currently the Working President of the state Congress, confirmed on June 19 that he would contest in the by-election. He declared his candidacy amid speculation regarding potential alternatives.
Identifying Jubilee Hills as his home constituency, the former MP expressed his intent to run again from this area.
Just a day after Azharuddin's announcement, state Congress chief Mahesh Kumar Goud clarified that the party has yet to finalize its candidate. Goud mentioned that Congress has an extensive process in place for candidate selection.
He elaborated to the press that aspiring candidates must first submit their applications to the state unit. These applications are then filtered and forwarded to the party's Central Election Committee and the Congress Working Committee, who will finalize the candidate.
Recently, Azharuddin was appointed to the Political Affairs Committee of the state Congress, with his son, Mohammed Asaduddin, being named General Secretary.
Azharuddin was elected to the Lok Sabha from the Moradabad constituency in Uttar Pradesh in 2009 shortly after joining the party. The Congress party had nominated him from Rajasthan's Ton-Sawai Madhopur in 2014, but he lost that election.
In 2018, he ascended to the role of Working President of the Telangana Congress and campaigned for the party during the 2018 Assembly elections. However, he was not fielded in either the Assembly or Lok Sabha elections. Nonetheless, he was nominated as the Congress candidate for Jubilee Hills in the 2023 elections, where he faced Gopinath of the BRS in a multi-cornered contest and unfortunately lost. Gopinath secured a hat-trick of victories from Jubilee Hills in 2023.
Point of View
The Congress party's decision to field a local candidate for the Jubilee Hills by-election reflects a strategic shift towards prioritizing local representation. This move aims to resonate more with constituents, especially following the unfortunate passing of a well-known local MLA. By choosing a recognized figure like Azharuddin, the party seeks to leverage both his popularity and local connections to enhance its electoral prospects.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the likely Congress candidate for Jubilee Hills?
Former Indian cricket captain Mohammed Azharuddin is being considered as the Congress candidate for the Jubilee Hills by-election.
Why is the by-election taking place?
The by-election is necessary due to the death of the sitting MLA Maganti Gopinath from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi.
What is the Congress party's stance on outsider candidates?
The Congress party has stated that it will not field any outsider candidates for the Jubilee Hills bypoll.
What is the process for candidate selection?
Aspirants must submit applications to the state unit, which are then filtered and sent to the Central Election Committee for final approval.
What other roles does Azharuddin hold in the party?
Mohammed Azharuddin is currently the Working President of the Telangana Congress and a member of the Political Affairs Committee.
