Uncertainty Over Minister Azharuddin’s Future as MLC Deadlock Continues in Telangana

Uncertainty continues over the political future of Mohammad Azharuddin, Minister for Minority Welfare and Public Enterprises, as the MLC deadlock in Telangana shows no signs of resolution.

Azharuddin must secure membership in either House of the State Legislature by April 30, 2026, failing which he will be constitutionally required to step down from the Cabinet.

Why Azharuddin’s Cabinet Position Is Under Threat

Azharuddin’s induction into the Cabinet was seen as a strategic and unusual move. On October 31, 2025, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy inducted the former Indian cricket captain into the government, mainly to:

• Ensure minority representation
• Strengthen the party’s position during the Jubilee Hills by-election

However, Azharuddin was inducted without being elected to either the Legislative Assembly or the Legislative Council.

Six-Month Constitutional Deadline Looms

Under Article 164(4) of the Constitution, a Minister who is not a member of the Legislature must become one within six months of appointment.

For Azharuddin, this means:

• Deadline to secure a seat: April 30, 2026
• Failure to do so will result in automatic resignation from the Cabinet

With time running out, the situation has turned into a high-stakes political and legal challenge.

Governor’s Quota MLC Plan Hits Legal Roadblock

The Congress government initially planned to accommodate Azharuddin as an MLC under the Governor’s quota. However, the plan ran into serious legal trouble.

What Went Wrong

• The government earlier nominated Professor Kodandaram and senior journalist Amer Ali Khan as Governor’s quota MLCs
• These nominations were challenged by the opposition BRS
• The Supreme Court struck down the appointments
• The court directed that no fresh nominations be made until a final verdict is delivered

Later, on August 30, the Cabinet forwarded a proposal nominating Azharuddin and Kodandaram as MLCs, but due to the Supreme Court’s interim order, neither could be sworn in.

No Immediate MLC Vacancies Available

The problem has worsened due to the absence of vacant MLC seats:

• The next three MLC vacancies will arise only in November 2026
• Even if the resignation of MLC Kavitha is accepted, her seat belongs to a local bodies constituency
• That seat cannot be filled until local body elections are conducted

This leaves Azharuddin with very limited options.

Supreme Court Verdict Seen as Only Way Out

Legal experts believe that the final judgment of the Supreme Court is now the only viable route for Azharuddin to continue as Minister.

Congress leaders are reportedly exploring:

• Seeking early clarification or relief from the Apex Court
• Legal options to break the MLC deadlock before April 2026

Resignation or Temporary Exit? Political Circles Speculate

If no solution emerges before the deadline:

• Azharuddin may have to resign
• Another option being discussed is a temporary resignation, followed by re-induction during a Cabinet reshuffle, which would reset the six-month clock

Political observers recall a similar episode involving Nandamuri Harikrishna, whose forced resignation from the Cabinet later impacted his political career.

High-Stakes Test for Congress and Azharuddin

With April 30, 2026, fast approaching, both Azharuddin and the Congress leadership face a crucial test of political strategy and legal timing. The coming months will decide whether he continues in the Cabinet or exits amid unresolved constitutional constraints.

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