Azharuddin, Kodandaram Sworn In as Telangana MLCs

Move Secures Azharuddin’s Cabinet Post

Hyderabad (IANS): Minority Welfare Minister Mohammad Azharuddin and Professor M. Kodandaram Reddy took their oaths as members of the Legislative Council (MLCs) of Telangana on Monday. The ceremony, held at the Assembly building, was administered by Council Chairman G. Sukhender Reddy in the presence of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and senior Congress leadership.

Constitutional Deadline Met

The swearing-in brings critical relief to former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin. Having been inducted into the Cabinet on October 31, 2025, Azharuddin faced a constitutional deadline to secure a seat in either the Assembly or the Council by April 30 to retain his ministerial portfolio. His nomination under the Governor’s quota ensures his continued role in the state government.

Professor M. Kodandaram, the leader of the Telangana Jana Samithi (TJS) and a prominent figure in the statehood movement, also joins the Upper House. His nomination honors the strategic alliance between TJS and Congress during the 2023 elections.

Legal Context and Governor’s Quota

The nominations were approved by Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Sunday, filling the vacancies left by D. Rajeshwar Rao and Farooq Hussain, whose terms ended in May 2023. However, the state government notification clarifies that these appointments remain subject to the final outcome of pending legal appeals in the Supreme Court.

The process has been marked by significant legal hurdles:

• Background: The Cabinet had recommended these names in August 2025, but clearance was delayed due to ongoing litigation.

• Prior Dispute: The appointments follow a long-standing dispute involving Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) leaders whose previous nominations were rejected by the former Governor, leading to a series of challenges in the High Court and Supreme Court.

• Judicial Observation: The deadlock was recently broken after Chief Minister Revanth Reddy cited Supreme Court observations that allowed the state to pursue clearance with the Governor.

Strengthening the Treasury Benches

The induction of these two leaders is seen as a strategic move by the Congress-led government to solidify its position in the Council while rewarding key allies and ensuring administrative continuity for the Minority Welfare department.