Azharuddin Takes Oath as Cabinet Minister in Telangana
Former Indian cricket captain and Congress leader Mohammad Azharuddin was sworn in on Friday as a cabinet minister in the southern Indian state of Telangana, marking the start of a new chapter in his political career.
The oath-taking ceremony was held at Raj Bhavan in Hyderabad, where Governor Jishnu Dev Varma administered the oath of office and secrecy. Azharuddin’s son, Asaduddin Azharuddin, who recently became the General Secretary of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee, also attended the event.
Local media reports suggest that Azharuddin is likely to be assigned the Ministry of Minority Welfare, a key portfolio in the Congress-led state government. His appointment makes him the first Muslim minister in the Telangana cabinet formed after the Congress victory in the 2023 state elections.
Political Analysts View Appointment as Strategic Move
Political observers believe Azharuddin’s inclusion in the cabinet is a strategic decision aimed at strengthening the Congress party’s outreach to Muslim voters. This comes just days before the November 11 by-election in the Jubilee Hills constituency, a Hyderabad seat with a significant Muslim population.
Analysts note that the Congress government, led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, has been seeking to consolidate support among key voter groups. Azharuddin’s popularity as a former cricket icon and his Hyderabad roots are expected to enhance the party’s image among urban and minority voters.
His appointment serves both symbolic and practical purposes, said one local analyst. It signals inclusivity while also leveraging his personal appeal and credibility.
BJP Criticizes Move, Calls It Violation of Electoral Code
Meanwhile, the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sharply criticized the timing of Azharuddin’s induction. Telangana BJP president G. Ram Chandra Rao filed a complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer, alleging that the move violates the Model Code of Conduct ahead of the by-election.
The BJP argued that appointing a new minister during an active election period could influence voters and compromise the fairness of the electoral process. Congress leaders, however, dismissed the accusations, calling them politically motivated.
From Cricket Captain to Cabinet Minister
At 62 years old, Mohammad Azharuddin remains one of India’s most recognizable cricket figures. He led the Indian national team during the 1990s and represented the country in over 300 international matches.
After retiring from cricket, Azharuddin entered politics and joined the Indian National Congress in the late 2000s. He was elected to Parliament from Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, in 2009. His journey from the cricket field to the political arena is often described as his second inning.
Now, with his elevation to the Telangana cabinet, Azharuddin’s political career has entered a new phase — one that merges his sporting fame with growing responsibilities in public service.
