Former India cricket captain and senior Congress leader Mohammad Azharuddin was sworn in as a minister in the Telangana cabinet on Thursday morning, marking his formal return to government service after a long political journey.
The oath of office was administered by Governor Jishnu Dev Verma at Raj Bhavan, Hyderabad. Azharuddin’s inclusion fills a long-pending cabinet vacancy and makes him the first Muslim minister in the current Congress-led Telangana government.
Political Significance and Timing
Azharuddin’s induction comes just days before the November 11 bypoll in Jubilee Hills, a high-profile Hyderabad constituency with nearly 30% Muslim electorate — sparking political reactions across party lines.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly objected to the move, alleging that it violates the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) currently in force due to the upcoming by-election.
BJP spokespersons wrote to the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), arguing that appointing Azharuddin — who had earlier sought a ticket from the same constituency — was an attempt to “influence voters through misuse of official machinery.”
Congress Defends Move as ‘Social Justice’
Responding to the criticism, Telangana Congress chief Mahesh Goud defended the decision, calling it a “long-overdue act of representation.”
“The Congress party had promised to ensure cabinet representation for minorities. Even in the erstwhile Andhra Pradesh governments, there was always a minority face in the cabinet. We are simply correcting that imbalance,” said Goud.
He also mocked the BJP for “double standards,” noting that the saffron party itself had inducted a poll candidate as minister in Rajasthan, who later lost to the Congress.
Legal and Constitutional Formalities
Azharuddin is not yet a member of the legislative assembly or council, a requirement to hold a ministerial position. However, sources confirmed that he has been nominated to the legislative council under the Governor’s quota.
The nomination file is pending the Governor’s approval. Once cleared, Azharuddin will need to become an MLC within six months to continue as minister under Article 164(4) of the Constitution.
From Cricket Pitch to Politics
A legendary former India captain, Mohammad Azharuddin represented the country in 99 Tests and 334 ODIs between 1984 and 2000. After retiring, he entered politics with the Congress and served as Member of Parliament from Moradabad (UP) in 2009.
His inclusion in the Telangana cabinet is viewed as part of the Congress’s broader effort to strengthen minority outreach and bolster the party’s urban base in Hyderabad.
