Many contenders for Cong tickets but few challengers to Owaisi

Hyderabad: Scores of candidates from Congress have put their name down for taking on Hyderabad MP and AIMIM Asaduddin Owaisi in the Lok Sabha polls this time. During the last two General Elections, Congress was reduced to less than 50,000 votes. But this time the Grand Old party is banking on the Assembly's success.

Prominent amongst those who filed applications include Hyderabad DCC president Sameer Waliullah, Karwan Assembly contestant Osman Al-Hajri and PCC secretary K S Anand Rao. Others who did not apply for Hyderabad include, Feroz Khan who lost from Nampally during Assembly with small margin is considered to be best bet to take on MIM’s type of politics. He received 49,944 votes against Asaduddin's more than 5 lakh votes in 2019. But the tough contest during Assembly against AIMIM at Nampally, has elevated his chances.

Other names in circulation include Ali Masqati who did not apply but remains interested.

In case Congress decides a tie up with MBT, the party’s face Amjedullah Khan stands the front runner.

Despite the fact that at Gandhi Bhavan only 11 aspirants have filed applications for Hyderabad Parliamentary constituency’s candidacy, the Congress is leaving no stone unturned to woo Muslim leaders in the Constituency. After Congress Working Committee member Deepa Dasmunshi took the responsibility of Telangana’s AICC incharge she held a series of meetings with Muslims and has remained in touch with influential leaders, particularly those who despise the AIMIM leadership.

Sameer Waliullah who took charge as DCC chief in December 2022 is a businessman and expressed confidence in winning the Hyderabad Lok Sabha seat. Recently while submitting his application at Gandhi Bhavan he blamed the AIMIM for underdevelopment of Hyderabad Parliamentary constituency, when compared to other constituencies in the City. The leader, time and again has accused Asad and termed as an political entity contributing to the damage of Muslim interests across the nation while focusing on communal agenda. He also questioned his leadership by challenging his position as the sole representative of Muslims.

The former AIMIM leader Osman Al-Hajri is one of the top leaders from the Old City area. He has proactively focused on issues of Waqf and advocated the Metro Rail development in parts of Old City. While Anand Rao is one of the important leaders when it comes to non-Muslim names. He was one of the top aspirants for Goshamahal constituency during Assembly elections. This time he is hopeful of getting a ticket for Lok Sabha polls.

Ali Masqati is a well-known businessman and former TDP leader who joined the party in September 2023 in presence of AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge. He is amongst the top contenders with a financially sound background. However, Amjedullah Khan’s name has remained under circulation as he portrays himself as the INDIA Bloc candidate for Hyderabad parliamentary segment. Even within the Congress discussion is going on about his potential. “Yes party is weighing the options and he is one of them as he gave a tough fight at Yakutpura in the recent polls to the AIMIM candidate,” acknowledged a Congress leader based in Old City.