Azharuddin joins Telangana Cabinet; BJP slams Congress over ministerial pick

Hyderabad – Former Indian cricket captain and Congress leader Mohammad Azharuddin began a new innings in politics as he took oath as a minister in Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s cabinet. The swearing-in ceremony took place at Raj Bhavan, where Governor Jishnu Dev Verma administered the oath in the presence of senior Congress leaders and party workers.

With Azharuddin’s induction, the strength of the Telangana cabinet rose to 16. The state can accommodate two more ministers as per Assembly norms. Party leaders described the move as a strategic addition ahead of the upcoming Jubilee Hills bypoll, where Congress faces a close contest with the BJP and BRS.

The by-election became necessary after the death of BRS MLA Maganti Gopinath in June due to a heart attack. The Jubilee Hills constituency holds over one lakh Muslim voters, making it politically significant for all major parties.

After taking oath, Azharuddin expressed gratitude to the Congress high command and supporters. “I thank my party and the people who have stood by me. My appointment has nothing to do with the Jubilee Hills bypoll. These are two separate issues,” he said. He added that he would focus on serving the poor and marginalised communities with sincerity.

However, the BJP quickly targeted the Congress over the decision. Telangana BJP chief G. Kishan Reddy accused the ruling party of “minority appeasement” and claimed the induction was aimed at winning votes in Jubilee Hills. “This is not governance; it’s a political gimmick ahead of the bypoll,” Reddy told reporters.

Congress leaders, however, defended the appointment. They argued that Azharuddin’s experience and national stature would help strengthen the state’s outreach to various sections. Senior minister Sridhar Babu said, “Azharuddin represents modern Telangana — dynamic, diverse and forward-looking.”

Azharuddin entered active politics in 2009 when he contested and won from Moradabad on a Congress ticket. Since then, he has remained a prominent face of the party, especially in Telangana and Hyderabad. His political career saw ups and downs, but he maintained close ties with the Congress central leadership.

Political observers say his inclusion in the cabinet reflects Congress’s intent to consolidate urban minority votes while adding a recognisable national figure to its team. Analysts also see it as an attempt to balance caste and community representation in the Revanth Reddy cabinet.

Meanwhile, BJP leaders continued their criticism through the day. “Azharuddin’s appointment is less about governance and more about electoral arithmetic,” a BJP spokesperson said, adding that the Congress “is using religion and celebrity status for votes.”

As the bypoll approaches, both parties have intensified campaigns in Jubilee Hills. The Congress hopes Azharuddin’s image as a sports icon and social worker will attract young and minority voters, while the BJP focuses on anti-appeasement messaging.

For Azharuddin, the oath marks another chapter in his journey — from cricket fields to political corridors. He now faces the task of proving his worth in governance as Telangana prepares for a crucial electoral battle.