Former Indian cricket captain and senior Congress leader Mohammad Azharuddin has officially been sworn in as a minister in the Telangana cabinet, marking a major political and symbolic development for the state. The oath of office was administered by Governor Jishnu Dev Verma at Raj Bhavan on Friday morning.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Azharuddin’s induction brings minority representation to the Congress-led government for the first time since it came to power, fulfilling a long-standing commitment to include a Muslim face in the cabinet. His appointment also fills a vacancy that had remained open for several months.
A Political and Symbolic Move
The Congress government has described Azharuddin’s inclusion as part of its “commitment to social justice and inclusive governance.” Telangana Congress chief Mahesh Goud stated that every previous government in united Andhra Pradesh had included at least one minority representative in the cabinet.
“The Congress party had made a promise to ensure cabinet representation for minorities. We are simply correcting a long-overdue imbalance,” Goud told NDTV.
Azharuddin’s appointment, however, comes just ahead of the November 11 bypoll in the Jubilee Hills constituency, which has a significant Muslim electorate—estimated at around 30%. This timing has led to strong political reactions, with opposition parties accusing the Congress of trying to influence voters.
BJP Alleges Violation of Election Code
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticised the Congress move, calling it a violation of the Model Code of Conduct, which is currently in force due to the upcoming by-election.
BJP leaders wrote to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Telangana, alleging that making Azharuddin a minister so close to the poll amounts to “misuse of official power.” They argued that since Azharuddin had recently sought a Congress ticket from the Jubilee Hills seat, his appointment could unfairly influence voters.
A BJP spokesperson said,
“Inducting someone who is actively connected with the bypoll campaign sends a wrong message and breaches election ethics.”
Congress Defends the Decision
In response, Congress leaders dismissed the BJP’s accusations, saying the induction was based on governance needs, not election timing. They argued that the cabinet had a vacant position, and Azharuddin’s inclusion was a planned administrative move that coincidentally came before the bypoll.
Mahesh Goud further pointed out that the BJP had done something similar in Rajasthan, where a candidate was made a minister before facing elections — and was later defeated by a Congress rival.
“The BJP is in no position to lecture on moral codes. They’ve done the same before,” Goud remarked.
Legal and Procedural Aspects
Although Azharuddin has now taken oath as a minister, he is not yet a member of the state legislature—a constitutional requirement for holding a ministerial post.
The Congress government has already nominated him to the Telangana Legislative Council under the Governor’s quota, but the Governor has not yet approved the proposal. As per constitutional rules, Azharuddin must become a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) or Legislative Assembly (MLA) within six months to continue as a minister.
If the approval is delayed or rejected, his ministerial position could face legal complications.
Background: From Cricket to Politics
Mohammad Azharuddin, once the star captain of the Indian cricket team, entered politics after his sports career ended. He joined the Congress Party and served as a Member of Parliament (MP) from Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, between 2009 and 2014.
In recent years, he has been an active Congress figure in Telangana and has played a visible role in the party’s outreach to minority communities. His appointment is seen as both a reward for loyalty and a strategic political message to consolidate Muslim support in Hyderabad and surrounding regions.
Broader Political Implications
Analysts believe Azharuddin’s induction could help the Congress strengthen its hold in urban constituencies like Hyderabad, Secunderabad, and Jubilee Hills, where Muslim voters play a decisive role.
However, it also opens the government to criticism over timing and intent, especially as the bypoll draws near. Opposition parties are likely to use this issue in their campaign narratives to question the Congress’s ethics and election conduct.
Conclusion
Mohammad Azharuddin’s entry into the Telangana cabinet is both a symbol of inclusion and a source of controversy. While the Congress frames it as a long-promised step towards diversity and minority representation, the BJP and other opponents see it as a tactical move to sway the upcoming Jubilee Hills bypoll.
How this decision impacts the bypoll outcome — and whether the Governor approves Azharuddin’s nomination to the Legislative Council — will be crucial in shaping the political climate of Telangana in the coming weeks.
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