Azhar wants to join Congress
After Sidhu & Kirti, it’s turn of another for cricketer to make foray into politics.
By ET Bureau |
NEW DELHI: After Navjot Singh Sidhu and Kirti Azad, it���s the turn of another former cricketer to make a foray into politics. Mohd Azharuddin, the stylish batsman who led India to victory in 14 test matches and 103 one-dayers, but saw his career end in ignominy after he was declared guilty of match-fixing by a BCCI appointed panel, may join the Congress.
With the Congress��� fortunes on the ebb in Andhra Pradesh, after holding the reins of power in the last four-and-a-half years, the disgraced Hyderabad-born former cricketer is now being trumpeted as the party���s new Muslim face. Azharuddin has not only sought an entry into the party fold, but expressed his desire to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls from one of the three constituencies falling in the AP capital.
The Congress, which has been fishing for a face to take on the might of the All-India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen in the Hyderabad region, according to indications emerging from the party headquarters, may have no hesitation in welcoming him into the fold.
The former Indian captain, according to Congress sources, had evinced interest in contesting elections ``from a prestigious seat,������ and the Congress was expected to take a call on the issue soon. According to reports, Azharuddin had recently met Congress president Sonia Gandhi, where he expressed his desire to contest the upcoming elections.
This is not the first time Azharuddin���s desire to make a splash in politics is creating ripples. Early last year, speculation was rife that he may either join or campaign for the Telangana Rashtra Samiti in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation polls. The speculation was sparked by an hour-long luncheon meeting he had with TRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao at an Urdu newspaper editor���s Hyderabad residence.
Azharuddin, however, later denied any such plans, and said that he was only interested in giving something back to cricket.
With the Congress��� fortunes on the ebb in Andhra Pradesh, after holding the reins of power in the last four-and-a-half years, the disgraced Hyderabad-born former cricketer is now being trumpeted as the party���s new Muslim face. Azharuddin has not only sought an entry into the party fold, but expressed his desire to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls from one of the three constituencies falling in the AP capital.
The Congress, which has been fishing for a face to take on the might of the All-India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen in the Hyderabad region, according to indications emerging from the party headquarters, may have no hesitation in welcoming him into the fold.
The former Indian captain, according to Congress sources, had evinced interest in contesting elections ``from a prestigious seat,������ and the Congress was expected to take a call on the issue soon. According to reports, Azharuddin had recently met Congress president Sonia Gandhi, where he expressed his desire to contest the upcoming elections.
This is not the first time Azharuddin���s desire to make a splash in politics is creating ripples. Early last year, speculation was rife that he may either join or campaign for the Telangana Rashtra Samiti in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation polls. The speculation was sparked by an hour-long luncheon meeting he had with TRS president K Chandrasekhar Rao at an Urdu newspaper editor���s Hyderabad residence.
Azharuddin, however, later denied any such plans, and said that he was only interested in giving something back to cricket.
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