Azharuddin and Kodandaram Sworn in as MLCs under Governor's quota
The nominations are viewed as both a tactical and a symbolic masterstroke by the Congress-led government
By - Kaniza Garari
Hyderabad: Mohammed Azharuddin and Professor M Kodandaram were officially sworn in as Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs) on Monday.
The oath of office was administered by Legislative Council Chairman Gutha Sukhender Reddy at the Council hall, marking the culmination of a long-awaited political appointment process under the Governor’s Quota.
A High-Profile Gathering
The ceremony saw the presence of the state’s top leadership, underscoring the importance of these inductions. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy attended the event, alongside Banda Prakash Mudiraj, Deputy Chairman of the Council, Mahesh Kumar Goud, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee president, D Sridhar Babu and G Vivekanand cabinet ministers. Vem Narender Reddy, member of Parliament was also present along with several government whips MLAs and MLCs.
The induction of these two leaders is particularly vital for the state government. For Mohammed Azharuddin—the former Indian cricket captain who currently serves as the Minister for Minority Welfare—this swearing-in ensures he meets the constitutional mandate of becoming a member of the legislature within six months of his cabinet appointment.
The Background: A Strategic Choice
The nominations of Azharuddin and Kodandaram are viewed as both a tactical and a symbolic masterstroke by the Congress-led government.
1. Prof M Kodandaram: The Voice of the Movement
As the chairman of the Telangana Joint Action Committee (TJAC), Prof Kodandaram was the intellectual engine behind the Telangana statehood movement. His nomination under the Governor’s quota is seen as long-overdue recognition for his contributions. After his party, the Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS), supported the Congress in the recent elections, his entry into the Council brings a seasoned academic and activist perspective to the upper house.
2. Mohammed Azharuddin: The Global Icon
A legendary figure in world cricket, Azharuddin’s transition to the Legislative Council provides a high-profile representative for the minority community and the urban population. Despite a narrow loss in the Jubilee Hills Assembly seat during the 2023 elections, his elevation as an MLC allows the government to utilize his extensive public influence and international stature within the administration.
Overcoming Legal Hurdles
The road to the Council was not without its challenges. The nominations under the Governor’s Quota were previously delayed due to legal disputes regarding the rejection of earlier nominees from the previous BRS regime. However, following recent clearances from Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, the process was fast-tracked, ensuring that the Council finally operates at its full intellectual and representative capacity.
