Azharuddin takes charge as Telangana Minister for Minorities Welfare and Public Enterprises
The 62-year-old leader, who took oath as minister on October 31, is the first Muslim face in Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s Cabinet.
By Newsmeter Network
Hyderabad: Former Indian cricket captain and senior Congress leader Mohammed Azharuddin on Monday assumed charge as Telangana’s Minister for Minorities Welfare and Public Enterprises at the Dr. BR Ambedkar Secretariat.
The 62-year-old leader, who took oath as minister on October 31, is the first Muslim face in Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s Cabinet.
‘Never dreamt of becoming a Minister’
Addressing media persons after assuming office, Azharuddin said politics was never part of his early plans. “During my cricket days, I thought I’d become a coach, not a minister. But life took a new turn and brought me into politics,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah, his family members, and the Congress leadership for the opportunity to serve the people.
Focus on minorities’ welfare
Azharuddin said he would work sincerely and efficiently to resolve long-pending issues concerning minorities’ development. “I’ll discharge my responsibilities honestly and ensure every welfare scheme reaches the deserving,” he assured.
Political journey from cricket to cabinet
Entering politics in 2009, Azharuddin contested and won the Moradabad Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh within three months of joining the Congress. He later contested from Sawai Madhopur (2014) and Jubilee Hills (2023) but lost both elections.
Despite the setbacks, he continued to hold key organisational responsibilities as Working President of the Telangana Congress and member of its Political Affairs Committee.
Inducted into cabinet via MLC nomination
In August this year, the state Cabinet nominated Azharuddin as a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) under the Governor’s quota. He was inducted into the Cabinet just ahead of the Jubilee Hills by-election, where the Congress fielded Naveen Yadav, assuring Azharuddin a ministerial berth.
Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president Mahesh Kumar Goud, and ministers Uttam Kumar Reddy, Vakati Srihari, and Ponnam Prabhakar were present when Azharuddin took charge. Government Advisor Mohammed Ali Shabbir and other senior party leaders also congratulated him.
