Politics

Mohammad Azharuddin sworn into Telangana cabinet amid BJP protest

Former Indian cricket captain takes oath as Telangana minister; BJP challenges timing ahead of bypoll

October 31, 2025

Political pitch heats up as Mohammad Azharuddin joins Telangana cabinet

Former Indian cricket captain and senior Congress leader Mohammad Azharuddin was sworn in as a minister in the Telangana cabinet on Friday, marking a significant political and symbolic move by the ruling Congress government. The oath of office was administered by Governor Jishnu Dev Verma at the Raj Bhavan in Hyderabad.

With Azharuddin’s induction, the Telangana cabinet now includes its first Muslim minister, fulfilling what party leaders described as a “long-pending commitment to social representation.”

BJP objects, alleges poll code violation

The Opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly objected to the timing of Azharuddin’s induction, calling it a “political ploy” ahead of the November 11 bypoll in Jubilee Hills, a constituency with a sizable 30% Muslim electorate.

BJP leaders filed a complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), alleging a violation of the Model Code of Conduct. Party spokespersons argued that inducting a minister, particularly one who had earlier sought a ticket from the same constituency, amounted to misuse of official machinery to influence voters.

Defending the decision, Telangana Congress chief Mahesh Goud said, “The Congress had promised representation for minorities in the cabinet. Governments, even during the Andhra Pradesh era, have always included a minority face. We are simply correcting a long-standing imbalance.”

Azharuddin yet to become member of legislature

Although sworn in, Azharuddin is not yet a member of either the legislative assembly or the legislative council—a constitutional requirement for holding a ministerial position.

He has been nominated to the legislative council under the Governor’s quota, but the proposal is still pending approval. Under the rules, he must become a member of the legislature within six months to continue as a minister.

The induction of Azharuddin, a cricketing icon turned politician, adds both visibility and diversity to the Congress cabinet, as the government looks to consolidate support ahead of the upcoming bypolls.

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