Former Indian cricket captain turned politician Mohammad Azharuddin is contesting the Telangana assembly elections, the 119-member state assembly polls scheduled for 30 November 2023.
Rajat Rakesh Tandon, the political editor of “India News,” engaged in an in-depth conversation with Azharuddin regarding the approaching elections.
Q: KCR asserts that our party has prioritised the welfare of the people. What issues are you highlighting in the upcoming state assembly polls?
A: The current state government has fallen short of its objectives. Numerous important schemes were not implemented. Despite claiming to have undertaken significant measures for the minority community, they have not delivered on their promises. They are spreading falsehoods and misleading the minority population. The Waqf board for minorities remains non-digitised and lacks influence in the current government. The KCR-led government has not made substantial efforts for the Dalits, merely favouring its own people.
Q: Relying on Asaduddin Owaisi for minority votes, KCR’s party is accusing the Congress of inaction for the minority community and challenging Rahul Gandhi?
A: Challenging is easy; Rahul Gandhi contested and won in Wayanad. If they are courageous, they should go beyond and achieve the same. Rahul Gandhi is a prominent leader, and Owaisi cannot be compared to him. Owaisi’s primary objective seems to be provocation in his speeches, which is detrimental to the minority community. His speeches have led to various issues in Bihar and UP. Apart from his inflammatory rhetoric, he has not made significant contributions to the well-being of the minority community.
Q: You’ve moved between Moradabad, UP, Rajasthan, and now Hyderabad, not consistently contesting elections?
A: I am from Hyderabad, and I contested elections in Moradabad, UP, before moving to Rajasthan and now returning to my home turf. How can you claim that I am not active on the political front? I have dedicated myself to the well-being of the people, with around Rs 4,500 crore allocated for various schemes in Moradabad. Success and defeat are inherent aspects of life, be it in cricket or politics.
Q: Following the win in Karnataka, the Congress party appears optimistic?
A: The Congress party is likely to form a government this time, as the people of the state want a change. Criticising not only the state government but also the Central government for various failures. KCR asserts that Azharuddin lacks knowledge about Jubilee Hills, but having spent a decade in this region, I possess extensive knowledge of every part. Unfortunately, there has been no development in this area over the past decade.
Q: Corruption appears to be a significant concern in Telangana this time?
A: The state government has acquired a substantial portion of Waqf land. The corruption rate is very high in KCR’s government.
Q: Cricket played a major role in the Rajasthan election, with terms like “Panauti” being used to refer to PM Modi?
A: I can’t elaborate much on this, but politicians have a fondness for cricket. They used to visit during our days as well.
Q: During the campaign, are you preferred more as a leader or as a cricketer?
A: People know me as a cricketer, but I am determined to serve them. There are numerous challenges in my constituency, and I aspire to address most of them if I win the election.