Hyderabad: Minorities welfare minister Mohammed Azharuddin and Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) president M Kodandaram were sworn in as members of the legislative council on Monday for a six-year term. They were administered the oath of office by legislative council chairman Gutha Sukender Reddy in the presence of chief minister A Revanth Reddy, council deputy chairman Banda Prakash, ministers D Sridhar Babu and G Vivek, MP Vem Narender Reddy, among others.
Azharuddin's New Role
Azharuddin said that while he had served as captain of the Indian cricket team in the past, Revanth is now his political captain in Telangana. He assured that he would work for the welfare of minorities and all sections of society. Azharuddin also dismissed as "opposition mudslinging" the allegation that he was made a minister to win the Jubilee Hills bypoll, a constituency with a significant Muslim voter base.
This is Azharuddin's first stint as MLC in Telangana. Earlier, he served as an MP from the Moradabad constituency in Uttar Pradesh. Although he contested the 2023 assembly elections from Jubilee Hills, he lost. He was sworn in as a minister on Oct 31 last year ahead of the Jubilee Hills bypoll, which was won by Congress candidate V Naveen Yadav.
Kodandaram's Vision
Meanwhile, Kodandaram said he has no ambition of becoming a minister but asserted that he would work for the welfare of those who fought for statehood, as well as students and youth. "Our party (TJS) has formed committees and has been working for the welfare of students, youth, including issues such as fee reimbursement. Our work never stopped. Now, I can raise these issues in the council for faster action by the govt," he said.
Upgrade to Assembly Facilities
Chief minister A Revanth Reddy said a dedicated club should be set up for assembly and council members in the Public Garden, along with a walking track and sports facilities. "The Central Hall, on the lines of the one in Parliament, should be ready by the next session. Measures should be taken to ensure that no damage is caused to the heritage building that houses the council. Security on the premises should be enhanced. Steps should also be taken to uphold the dignity of the House, and there should be more privacy for members," the CM said while reviewing the plans for the upgradation of assembly and council facilities.
