Former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin was sworn in as a minister in the Telangana cabinet on Friday, joining Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s government. The oath of office was administered by Governor Jishnu Dev Varma at Raj Bhavan in the presence of senior Congress leaders. Azharuddin’s induction raises the strength of the state cabinet to 16, with two berths still vacant.
The Congress hailed the appointment as a step towards inclusive governance, noting that Azharuddin is the first minister from the minority community in Revanth Reddy’s team. Party leaders said his elevation reflects the government’s commitment to diversity and brings a prominent public figure with national recognition into state politics.
However, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) sharply criticised the move, accusing the Congress of political opportunism and “minority appeasement” ahead of the Jubilee Hills by-election. The BJP alleged that Azharuddin’s inclusion was intended to influence Muslim voters in the high-profile constituency and violated the Model Code of Conduct in place during the bypoll.
Azharuddin dismissed the allegations, saying his appointment was based on merit and party confidence. “I thank the Congress high command and my supporters. This has nothing to do with the Jubilee Hills by-election,” he told reporters after taking oath.
While his portfolio has not yet been announced, sources indicate that he may be assigned either the Sports or Minorities Welfare department, given his background and community representation. Azharuddin was recently nominated to the Telangana Legislative Council under the Governor’s quota, pending formal approval.
His entry into the cabinet marks a significant political milestone for the former cricketer and adds fresh visibility to the Congress government in Telangana, though it has also intensified the political battle between the ruling party and the BJP in the state.
