Hyderabad, Oct 31, 2025: In a big moment for Telangana politics, former Indian cricket team captain Mohammad Azharuddin has been sworn in as a cabinet minister today. The 62-year-old Congress leader took the oath at Raj Bhavan this morning. This makes him the first Muslim minister in Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s cabinet.
Governor Jishnu Dev Varma gave the oath of office and secrecy. Azharuddin swore in the name of Allah and ended with loud “Jai Telangana! Jai Hind!” The simple yet emotional ceremony was attended by top leaders like CM Revanth Reddy, Deputy CM Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Speaker Gaddam Prasad Kumar and TPCC chief Mahesh Kumar Goud.
His son, Mohammad Asaduddin, who is now TPCC General Secretary, was also there cheering for dad.
Azharuddin said after oath: “I feel great. My debut in politics was on December 31, and today on October 31 I became minister. So 31 is my lucky number! If you have patience, you can achieve anything.”
This move comes just days before Jubilee Hills Assembly by-election on November 11. Many see it as Congress’s smart play to win back Muslim voters.
The Swearing-In Ceremony: Simple and Grand
The event kicked off around 11 AM at Raj Bhavan. Azharuddin arrived in a white sherwani looking sharp. Governor Varma, known for his warm style, welcomed him with a handshake.
CM Revanth Reddy sat in front row, clapping loudly. “This is a proud day for Telangana,” Revanth posted live on X earlier.
After oath, flowers and hugs all around. Deputy CM Bhatti said, “Azhar bhai’s entry strengthens our government. He brings energy from cricket field to cabinet room.”
TPCC President Goud called it “a masterstroke by high command.”
No big drama, but the slogans echoed – Jai Telangana!
Azharuddin’s Journey: From Cricket Pitch to Political Power
Born in Hyderabad in 1963, Azharuddin is a household name. He debuted for India in 1984 with three centuries in first three Tests – a world record! Captained India for nearly 10 years, led in 47 Tests.
Cricket Highlights:
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Tests Played | 99 |
| ODI Captain | 174 matches |
| Famous Cover Drive | Style icon of 90s |
| Ban & Comeback | Cleared in 2012 |
But life had ups and downs. Match-fixing ban in 2000 hurt, but he bounced back.
Politics started in 2009 with Congress. Won Lok Sabha from Moradabad (UP). Lost in 2014 from Rajasthan. Joined Telangana Congress in 2018 as Working President.
In 2023 Assembly polls, contested Jubilee Hills – his home turf – but lost to BRS’s Maganti Gopinath by 15,000 votes. Gopinath’s sudden death in June led to bypoll.
Quote from Azhar: “Full circle for me. From cricket to this. Grateful to Sonia ji, Rahul ji and Revanth garu.”
Cabinet Expansion: Numbers and Strategy
Telangana Cabinet can have max 18 ministers including CM.
Timeline:
- Dec 7, 2023: 12 ministers (Revanth +11)
- June 8, 2025: +3 (total 15)
- Today: +1 Azhar (total 16) – 2 spots left
Why now? Congress kept spots empty on purpose. Azhar was nominated MLC under Governor quota on Aug 30.
This is second expansion. Perfect timing for bypoll.
Expected Portfolio: Minority Welfare in Focus?
Portfolio not announced yet. Buzz says:
- Top bet: Minority Welfare (fits his image)
- Others: Sports (cricketer tag), Home
Why Minority Welfare? Telangana has 12-15% Muslims. Congress faced flak for no Muslim minister in 2 years. All Muslim candidates lost 2023 polls.
Azhar as minister sends strong message: “We care!”
Azhar on religion: “My appointment not linked to religion. It’s for service.”
Jubilee Hills By-Poll: The Real Game
Key Facts:
- Date: Polling Nov 11, Counting Nov 14
- Voters: 4 lakh+
- Candidates: 58 (Congress: Naveen Yadav, BRS: Maganti Sunitha, BJP: Lankala Deepak)
- Muslims: 30% voters here
Azhar wanted ticket again. Leadership said no, gave cabinet instead. Smart? His influence can swing votes for Yadav.
Revanth starts campaigning today!
Political Fireworks: BJP Cries Foul
BJP not happy. Filed complaint with ECI: “MCC violation! Appeasement before bypoll.”
BJP leader: “Congress buying votes with minister post.”
Congress hits back: “Legal and timely.”
ECI to decide soon.
Reactions Pour In
- Sonia Gandhi (via sources): Congratulated privately.
- Dr Girija Shetkar (Cong): “Heartiest congrats!”
- Fans on X: “Kaptaan to Minister – pride of Hyderabad!”
What’s Next for Azhar?
- Portfolio allocation soon.
- Campaign for bypoll.
- Focus on welfare schemes.
This is just start. Azhar’s charisma can boost Congress in Hyderabad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why is Mohammad Azharuddin’s appointment a big deal for Congress in Telangana?
Azharuddin’s entry is huge because he’s the first Muslim minister in Revanth Reddy’s two-year rule. Congress got heat from Muslim community for no representation after 2023 losses. With 30% Muslims in Jubilee Hills, this wins hearts ahead of Nov 11 bypoll. It’s also smart politics – Azhar’s popularity pulls youth and cricket fans. “This fixes our image,” say party insiders.
2. What portfolio will Azharuddin get?
Not official yet, but Minority Welfare is top guess. Others: Sports or Home. Fits perfect – as Muslim leader for welfare, cricketer for sports. CM to decide in 1-2 days. Watch for announcement!
3. When was Azharuddin made MLC?
Telangana Cabinet cleared his name Aug 30, 2025 under Governor quota. This let him join ministry without being MLA. Legal route, no issues.
4. What’s the Jubilee Hills by-poll all about?
After BRS MLA Maganti Gopinath’s death in June, seat vacant. Polling Nov 11, results Nov 14. 58 candidates, tough fight: Congress Naveen Yadav vs BRS Sunitha vs BJP Deepak. 4 lakh voters. Azhar’s role: Campaign star!
5. Did BJP complain? Is there controversy?
Yes, BJP wrote to ECI: “Cabinet expansion breaks Model Code of Conduct. Voter bribe!” Congress: “All legal.” ECI CEO to rule soon. Adds spice to bypoll.
6. How many ministers in Telangana cabinet now?
16 out of 18 (including CM). 2 spots open. Revanth kept deliberate – for leaders like Azhar.
7. What did Azhar say after oath?
Key quotes:
- “31 is lucky! Patience wins.”
- “Full circle in politics.”
- “Not about religion, about service to Telangana.”
More FAQs? Comment below!