Speculations are rife that Congress will, reportedly, field tennis star Sania Mirza from Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency for the ensuing general elections. The party is trying to capitalise on her popularity and status to gain a foothold in the city’s electoral space.
As the Congress Central Election Committee came together in Delhi to finalise its list of candidates for the Lok Sabha polls, Sania’s name came up.
Sources within the Congress party revealed that former Indian cricket captain Mohammed Azharuddin championed the proposal for her candidacy. Azharuddin has close familial ties with the Mirza family. His son Mohammed Asaddudin was married to Sania’s sister, Anam Mirza in 2019.
Hyderabad Lok Sabha constituency has a rich cultural heritage and diverse demographics. It has historically been a stronghold of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) party, led by Asaduddin Owaisi.
However, the recent resurgence of the Indian National Congress in the region has posed a formidable challenge to AIMIM’s dominance, setting the stage for an intense electoral battle. The last time Congress won from Hyderabad was in 1980 when KS Narayan was the party candidate.
After facing a humiliating defeat in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, this time, the Congress wants to work on its winning strategy in the state.
In the last November assembly elections, out of seven assembly seats under Hyderabad Parliament, AIMIM clinched six, while one went to the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Congress was left with zero.
Political analysts are of the view that the Congress is eyeing Sania’s popularity. After all, she was also the city’s brand ambassador under Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS). The fact that she is female and hails from a minority community will enable the Congress to gain back its lost lustre in the state.
However, Sania’s entry into politics also has significant challenges. She is a newcomer in the field of politics and will face tough competition from experienced politicians such as Asaduddin Owaisi.
The news of Sania’s possible candidacy in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Hyderabad has created a buzz in the city. Being a renowned sports personality and philanthropist, her inclusion in the Congress party’s attempt to win the Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat, which AIMIM currently holds, is seen as a positive development if the rumours turn out to be true.
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