Congress eyes Muslim vote bank in Jubilee Hills, Azhar turns hyper-active

Hyderabad: Accusing BRS legislator Maganti Gopinath of all-round failure and hoping that he had failed to retain the Muslim vote bank, the Congress is keeping an eye on the Jubilee Hills Assembly constituency. Marring its prospects is the clash between P. Vishnuvardhan Reddy and TPCC working president Mohammed Azharuddin.

The former India cricket captain, who allegedly enjoys the blessings of the party elders, has initiated a regular campaign in the Jubilee Hills constituency by meeting people and conducting meetings. The state Congress leadership is keeping a close vigil as Muslim voters will be crucial for the poll outcome there.
Gopinath won the seat as a TD candidate in 2014 by pipping his MIM opponent Naveen Yadav by a margin of 9,000 votes. He retained the seat but as a BRS candidate with 16,000 votes over Vishnuvardhan Reddy of the Congress.

Azharuddin has been mingling with people over ‘Chai Pe Charcha’ and addressing street corner meetings in the constituency. The former cricketer has a good rapport with VVIPs in the locality, including the film fraternity.

Vishnuvardhan Reddy is strongly opposed to the new initiatives of Azharuddin without his knowledge. This led to clashes between the two groups two days back.

To a poser from Reddy, Azharuddin is believed to have said that he would contest from Jubilee Hills as the Congress candidate.

As part of his regular programmes, Azharuddin on Friday visited various places of worship in Gachibowli and Jubilee Hills and interacted with the people.