Hyderabad: With M.S. Prabhakar Rao retired on April 1, 2025, the race for the Hyderabad Local Authorities Constituency MLC seat has intensified. The last date to file nominations is April 4, and the election will be held on April 23.
Earlier, there were reports that AIMIM would get the seat with Congress support, but now sources say Congress is planning to secure the seat for itself. In return, AIMIM may be given the Mayor or Deputy Mayor position after the GHMC corporator elections.
Who Will Get the MLC Ticket?
Many politicians are hoping for this seat, and a minority candidate is likely to be chosen. The strongest contender appears to be Faheem Qureshi, a close aide of CM Revanth Reddy, who may also be appointed as Minority Welfare Minister.
Another strong candidate is Mehmood Alam Khan or his son, who helped Congress gain minority votes in the 2023 elections. However, Alam Khan recently invited BRS leader K.T. Rama Rao (KTR) to his home for Eid, which may affect his chances.
Other possible candidates include Shabbir Ali, Feroz Khan, and former cricketer Azharuddin, but since they contested and lost previous elections, Congress may not consider them due to its internal policy.
Other Options Being Considered
It is also possible that the Congress high command may take advice from Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, which supported the party in the 2023 elections. If this happens, a new face could emerge as the final candidate.
With just a few days left before nominations close, the final decision is expected soon. All eyes are now on Gandhi Bhavan, where Congress leaders are making their final moves.
