BJP, BRS Blocking Azhar's Cabinet Entry: Congress

TPCC President Mahesh Kumar Goud today alleged that both the BJP and the BRS were conspiring to obstruct former cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin's entry into the Telangana Cabinet.

He alleged that the BJP was pressuring the Governor to delay Azharuddin's swearing-in ceremony, and that even Kavitha, daughter of K Chandrashekar Rao, had acknowledged the covert understanding between the BRS and the BJP.

Addressing a press conference, Goud said, "Azharuddin has captained the Indian cricket team, and later also made significant contributions to the nation. He has rendered invaluable service not only in sports but also as a Member of Parliament. And both the people of Telangana and the country recognise his prominence. It is unfortunate that BJP leaders have lodged complaints with the Election Commission to prevent his potential induction into the Cabinet. The BJP and BRS are resorting to unethical tactics to block Azharuddin's appointment as a minister. Despite the Chief Minister's intent to include him, the BJP is scheming to stop Azharuddin from joining the Cabinet. The public must understand the covert understanding between the two parties."

He said that despite all those machinations the State government remained committed to inducting Azharuddin into the Cabinet.

"It is essential to expose the BJP's double standards before the public. Earlier, the party appointed a by-election candidate as a minister in Rajasthan - for instance, just 20 days before the Sri Karanpur by-election in Sri Ganganagar district, their candidate Surendra Pal Singh was made a Cabinet member. If it was acceptable to do that, then why is it wrong now for the Congress to consider Azharuddin as a possible minister?" he asked.

"Azharuddin's inclusion in the Cabinet is inevitable. We firmly believe that he will serve as a strong voice for the welfare of minorities," Goud said.