Former Indian cricket captain Mohammed Azharuddin has been sworn in as a Minister in Revanth Reddy’s cabinet. Governor Jishnu Dev Varma administered the oath.
This move is widely seen as an attempt to attract Minority voters, who play a key role in the Jubilee Hills constituency.
The Jubilee Hills By-election is scheduled for November 11. Maganti Sunitha, wife of late MLA Maganti Gopinath, is contesting from BRS, while Naveen Yadav represents Congress.
BRS is relying on sympathy votes after the unexpected demise of Gopinath. On the other hand, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is determined to win this seat and prove his leadership strength.
Interestingly, Azharuddin earlier expected a ticket from Jubilee Hills but the Congress high command did not approve his candidature.
There are no official surveys yet for Jubilee Hills. However, BRS leaders are claiming that Azharuddin’s induction itself shows Congress is insecure.
They argue that Revanth Reddy would not have moved so quickly if Congress were confident. According to them, this urgency signals that the BRS currently has an edge in Jubilee Hills.
Revanth’s decision appears rushed and has given the Opposition an opportunity to call him desperate. At the same time, it may also reflect strategic caution.
Internal friction within the Congress adds further pressure. If Congress loses this by-election, factions within the party could intensify attempts to challenge Revanth’s authority. Reports already suggest that some cabinet colleagues do not fully support him.
A defeat would also boost the Opposition, particularly a resurging BRS, making governance more difficult for the CM.
With results set to be declared on November 14, all eyes are on what the voters of Jubilee Hills will decide.
