Mohammad Azharuddin takes oath as Telangana Minister

Mohammad Azharuddin Takes Oath as Telangana Minister, marking his return to politics and becoming the first minority member in Revanth Reddy’s cabinet.

Mohammad Azharuddin Takes Oath as Telangana Minister

Former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin has officially taken oath as a minister in the Telangana Cabinet. He is the first member from the minority community to join Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s council of ministers.

The oath-taking ceremony took place at Raj Bhavan, where Governor Jishnu Dev Verma administered the oath in the presence of senior Congress leaders. With Azharuddin’s inclusion, the total number of ministers in the Telangana Cabinet has reached 16, with two more positions still available under the constitutional limit of 18.

Political Importance of Azharuddin’s Appointment

Azharuddin’s entry into the Telangana Cabinet holds strong political importance ahead of the upcoming Jubilee Hills by-election, where he is expected to contest. The seat became vacant following the death of BRS MLA Maganti Gopinath earlier this year.

With over one lakh Muslim voters in the constituency, the Congress aims to boost its minority vote share by fielding Azharuddin. His appointment is also seen as part of the party’s broader plan to strengthen minority outreach, not just in Telangana but also with an eye on the upcoming Bihar elections.

From Cricket Stardom to Political Leadership

Mohammad Azharuddin, one of India’s most stylish and successful cricket captains, led the national team throughout the 1990s, including three consecutive World Cups in 1992, 1996, and 1999. Famous for his elegant wrist shots and calm leadership, Azharuddin scored over 6,000 runs in Test matches and more than 9,000 in One Day Internationals.

After retiring from cricket, he entered politics by joining the Congress Party and won the Moradabad Lok Sabha seat in 2009. His recent appointment as a Telangana minister adds another chapter to his remarkable journey from the cricket field to public service.

Congress Aims to Strengthen Minority Support

The Congress leadership’s move to include Mohammad Azharuddin in the Telangana Cabinet comes after continuous demands from the state party unit for greater minority representation. Earlier, Azharuddin was nominated as a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) under the Governor’s quota in August as part of this inclusivity push, though the Governor’s final approval is still pending.

Political analysts believe his induction will strengthen the Congress Party’s image as an inclusive and diverse political force, especially ahead of key upcoming elections.

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Some Highlights at a Glance

• Mohammad Azharuddin captained the Indian cricket team in three consecutive World Cups – 1992, 1996, and 1999.
• He scored over 9,000 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and more than 6,000 runs in Test matches for India.
• In 2025, Azharuddin became the first minister from the minority community in Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s Telangana Cabinet.
• He earlier served as a Member of Parliament (MP) from Moradabad (2009–2014) representing the Indian National Congress.

Azharuddin’s Growing Role in Telangana Politics

As a newly appointed minister and the Congress candidate for the Jubilee Hills by-election, Mohammad Azharuddin’s return to active politics is expected to boost the party’s presence in Hyderabad.

His popularity, cricketing legacy, and strong connection with minority communities could help the Congress gain an advantage in key urban constituencies. For Telangana, his rise represents a blend of sportsmanship and governance – uniting the leadership values of the cricket field with the responsibilities of public service.

A Symbol of Youth Inspiration and Public Trust

Mohammad Azharuddin’s induction into the Telangana Cabinet also serves as an inspiration for youth who admire his discipline and leadership. His journey from cricket legend to public servant reflects dedication and resilience, reinforcing the Congress Party’s image of trust, experience, and commitment to inclusive governance in the state.

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