Azharuddin faces 'big challenge' after AIMIM fields candidate in Jubilee Hills: Telangana polls

A big challenge emerged before former cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin in Jubilee Hills assembly constituency from where he is contesting on Congress ticket. For the first time, the Asaduddin Owaisi-led AIMIM entered the fray here triggering rumours of its game plan to favour the ruling BRS by dividing the Muslim votebank.

Hyderabad : Former cricketer and Congress nominee Mohammad Azharuddin is facing a formidable challenge in Jubilee Hills Assembly segment in Hyderabad city. Azharuddin said on Wednesday he is not worried about AIMIM putting up a candidate there and exuded confidence that people of the constituency are with him. According to political analysts, the AIMIM candidate may split the Congress vote share in the constituency.

For the first time, the Asaduddin Owaisi-led All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) which claims to be a "friendly party" of the ruling BRS, has fielded Mohammad Rashed Farazuddin from Jubilee Hills making it a keenly watched segment. BRS has fielded its sitting legislator M Gopinath as its candidate in the segment.

"We are fighting our own election. We are not really worried about who is doing what. I am fighting my own election. It is important for me and I know the people of Jubilee Hills are solidly behind me. They all want me Insha Allah," Azharuddin said. He further said his campaign for the November 30 Assembly poll is going well and is receiving good response from people.

Replying to a query, he said there has been no development in the constituency for the past ten years, besides thriving anti-social elements. He said the Congress will be winning in the upcoming polls and forming the government in Telangana. According to political analyst Telakapalli Ravi, the MIM candidate may split the Congress votes and benefit BRS in the constituency, which it holds.

He also said there is no guarantee that Azharuddin will sweep the polls as he faces certain allegations. It may not be a cakewalk for Azharuddin even otherwise also, Ravi opined and said there will be a keen contest. Accompanied by followers, the former India skipper started his poll campaign and is also undertaking padayatras, besides door-to-door campaign in the constituency.

People at several places are keen to take selfies with him. He also stops by roadside shops and talks to them. Azharuddin joined the Congress party and won from the Moradabad Lok Sabha seat in UP in 2009. He became one of the Working Presidents of the Telangana Congress in 2018. (with agency inputs)

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