Mohammed Azharuddin Takes Oath as Minister — The Only Muslim Face in Revanth Reddy’s Telangana Cabinet
Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2025 1:01 pm
Former Indian cricket captain Mohammed Azharuddin has officially entered active politics, taking oath as a minister in Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s cabinet. With his induction, Azharuddin becomes the sole Muslim representative in the state cabinet, a move widely seen as part of Congress’s efforts to strengthen its minority outreach.
A New Innings in Public Service
The swearing-in ceremony took place at Raj Bhavan, where Governor Jishnu Dev Varma administered the oath of office and secrecy. Dressed in a crisp white kurta, Azharuddin recited the oath in English, invoking the name of Allah, and ended with “Jai Telangana, Jai Hind,” earning applause from attendees.
Prominent Congress leaders, party workers, and members of Azharuddin’s family were present at the event, marking the cricketer-turned-politician’s formal entry into governance after a long career in sports and public life.
Portfolio Yet to Be Announced
Although his official portfolio has not yet been revealed, political circles expect Azharuddin to take charge of either the Minority Welfare or Sports & Youth Affairs department, areas closely aligned with his background and public image.
As per constitutional requirements, Azharuddin will need to become a member of the legislature within six months — either by winning an election or being nominated to the Legislative Council.
Strategic Move Before By-Polls
Observers see this development as a strategic decision by the Congress government, coming just ahead of the Jubilee Hills by-election scheduled for November 11, 2025. The constituency has a sizeable Muslim voter base (around 25%), and Azharuddin’s inclusion in the cabinet is expected to resonate positively among minority voters.
Azharuddin had earlier contested from Jubilee Hills in the 2023 Assembly elections but narrowly lost. He was later nominated under the Governor’s quota for the Legislative Council, awaiting formal approval.
Reviving Minority Representation
For nearly two years since taking power in December 2023, the Revanth Reddy-led Congress government did not have any Muslim minister. Azharuddin’s appointment ends that gap, symbolizing an attempt to project inclusivity and communal balance within the cabinet.
Cabinet Expansion and New Appointments
Along with Azharuddin’s induction, the state government also appointed:
P. Sudarshan Reddy as Advisor for Welfare and Developmental Programs (with cabinet rank).
K. Premsagar Rao as Chairman of the Telangana Civil Supplies Corporation, also holding cabinet status.
With these additions, the Telangana cabinet strength now stands at 16 ministers, with two more positions expected to be filled in the next phase of expansion.
A Symbolic and Strategic Induction
Mohammed Azharuddin’s entry into the cabinet is more than a routine political appointment — it represents a blend of sportsmanship, inclusivity, and political outreach. As one of India’s most celebrated cricket captains, his influence among the youth and minorities could strengthen Congress’s presence ahead of upcoming elections.
A New Innings in Public Service
The swearing-in ceremony took place at Raj Bhavan, where Governor Jishnu Dev Varma administered the oath of office and secrecy. Dressed in a crisp white kurta, Azharuddin recited the oath in English, invoking the name of Allah, and ended with “Jai Telangana, Jai Hind,” earning applause from attendees.
Prominent Congress leaders, party workers, and members of Azharuddin’s family were present at the event, marking the cricketer-turned-politician’s formal entry into governance after a long career in sports and public life.
Portfolio Yet to Be Announced
Although his official portfolio has not yet been revealed, political circles expect Azharuddin to take charge of either the Minority Welfare or Sports & Youth Affairs department, areas closely aligned with his background and public image.
As per constitutional requirements, Azharuddin will need to become a member of the legislature within six months — either by winning an election or being nominated to the Legislative Council.
Strategic Move Before By-Polls
Observers see this development as a strategic decision by the Congress government, coming just ahead of the Jubilee Hills by-election scheduled for November 11, 2025. The constituency has a sizeable Muslim voter base (around 25%), and Azharuddin’s inclusion in the cabinet is expected to resonate positively among minority voters.
Azharuddin had earlier contested from Jubilee Hills in the 2023 Assembly elections but narrowly lost. He was later nominated under the Governor’s quota for the Legislative Council, awaiting formal approval.
Reviving Minority Representation
For nearly two years since taking power in December 2023, the Revanth Reddy-led Congress government did not have any Muslim minister. Azharuddin’s appointment ends that gap, symbolizing an attempt to project inclusivity and communal balance within the cabinet.
Cabinet Expansion and New Appointments
Along with Azharuddin’s induction, the state government also appointed:
P. Sudarshan Reddy as Advisor for Welfare and Developmental Programs (with cabinet rank).
K. Premsagar Rao as Chairman of the Telangana Civil Supplies Corporation, also holding cabinet status.
With these additions, the Telangana cabinet strength now stands at 16 ministers, with two more positions expected to be filled in the next phase of expansion.
A Symbolic and Strategic Induction
Mohammed Azharuddin’s entry into the cabinet is more than a routine political appointment — it represents a blend of sportsmanship, inclusivity, and political outreach. As one of India’s most celebrated cricket captains, his influence among the youth and minorities could strengthen Congress’s presence ahead of upcoming elections.