Azharuddin’s induction is being viewed as a strategic political decision addressing two major concerns, the absence of minority representation and the lack of a minister from Hyderabad district in the 23-month-old Congress government
Hyderabad: Former Indian cricket captain and senior Congress leader Mohd Azharuddin was sworn in as minister in the Cabinet at a simple ceremony held at Raj Bhavan on Friday. Governor Jishnu Dev Varma administered the oath of office and secrecy in the presence of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, and senior ministers.
Azharuddin, who took the oath in the name of Allah, concluded the ceremony with the slogans “Jai Telangana” and “Jai Hind.” His son Asaduddin, recently appointed general secretary of the state Congress, was present. Following the ceremony, Azharuddin expressed gratitude to the party high command, his supporters, and the public for their faith in him.
Later, speaking to the media, Azharuddin countered criticism from BJP and BRS leaders, terming their allegations “baseless and politically motivated.” Taking strong exception to comments made by BJP leader and Union minister G. Kishan Reddy, the new minister said that Kishan Reddy “lacks even basic knowledge” about him and his past.
“None of the allegations against me, including those related to match-fixing, were ever proven in court. I do not need anyone’s certificate to validate my integrity or patriotism,” he said.
Azharuddin’s induction comes just days ahead of the November 11 Jubilee Hills Assembly byelection, leading to speculation that the Congress move is aimed at consolidating support among the sizable Muslim electorate in the constituency.
With his appointment, the Revanth Reddy Cabinet’s strength rose to 16. Azharuddin is the first Muslim minister in the Congress government formed in December 2023.
Azharuddin dismissed the speculation, stating that his appointment had “nothing to do with the byelection.” “Whatever responsibility I am given, I will work honestly for the upliftment of the oppressed people. These are two separate matters and should not be linked,” he said.
Sources indicated that he may be allotted minorities welfare or sports and youth affairs. The Cabinet, in August, had cleared his nomination as member of the Legislative Council (MLC) under the Governor’s quota. However, the Governor is yet to give assent.
With Azharuddin becoming a minister, he must become a member of the Legislative Council or the Assembly within six months to continue in the Cabinet. The Congress government is hopeful of securing the Governor’s approval for his nomination as MLC within this period.
Revanth Reddy and ministerial colleagues congratulated Azharuddin on his induction, which marks the second Cabinet expansion since the Congress assumed office in December 2023. Two Cabinet berths remain vacant, and TPCC president B. Mahesh Kumar Goud said that the party high command will take a decision on filling them in December.
