Azharuddin faces deadline as MLC nod pending
HYDERABAD: Minister Mohammed Azharuddin faces uncertainty as the Governor has not yet approved the nomination of Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs).
Governor decision delay keeps Azharuddin’s ministerial future uncertain
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy inducted Azharuddin into the Cabinet ahead of the Jubilee Hills by-election, though he was not a member of either House at the time. He must get elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) or MLC within six months. The deadline ends in April.
The government recommended his name for nomination as an MLC. However, the Governor has not taken a decision so far.
Earlier, before Azharuddin’s induction into the Cabinet, the government had proposed the names of Telangana Jana Samithi president M. Kodandaram and Aamir Ali Khan for nomination as MLCs. The matter reached the Supreme Court, forcing the government to send fresh proposals.
In the second proposal, the government recommended Kodandaram and Azharuddin. The Governor kept the file pending, citing the case in the Supreme Court.
Last month, after hearing arguments, the Supreme Court said the Governor could take a decision and that its order would not be an obstacle. The state government expected approval for both nominees. However, no decision followed. Senior leaders met the then Governor to make a representation, but he was transferred unexpectedly.
The matter is now before the new Governor. During a hearing on Thursday, the court observed that it had already clarified the issue and suggested that parties could approach the High Court if the order was not implemented.
Speculation grows over possible Cabinet changes after elections
Meanwhile, there is speculation about possible changes in the state Cabinet. The party leadership reportedly held separate discussions earlier with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee president Mahesh Kumar Goud, Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka and minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy.
Reports suggest the Chief Minister recently discussed the issue again with the All India Congress Committee president and general secretary. There is also talk of inducting a representative from the Lambada community into the Cabinet.
Though Ramchander Naik’s name has been finalised for the Deputy Speaker’s post, the selection process is yet to conclude. He is reportedly weighing his options as he is also seeking a Cabinet berth.
The name of Devarakonda MLA Balu Naik is also doing the rounds for possible induction. Sources in the Congress say portfolios of two or three ministers may change.
A senior Congress leader said the party leadership wants the Chief Minister to function with full freedom and that some reshuffle could take place accordingly. Though changes were initially expected after the Budget session, the party leadership remains busy with elections in Kerala, Assam, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry. Some state ministers may also be assigned responsibilities in these polls.
As a result, Cabinet changes are now likely after the election process concludes.
