What New Roles Did Azharuddin Get in the Telangana Cabinet?
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Synopsis
On November 4, 2023, Mohammed Azharuddin was awarded the portfolios of Minorities Welfare and Public Enterprises in the Telangana Cabinet. This significant appointment highlights the Congress party's outreach to the Muslim electorate, representing a strategic move in the political landscape of Jubilee Hills.
Key Takeaways
- Azharuddin's appointment as a minister highlights Congress's outreach to Muslim voters.
- The Telangana Cabinet now has 16 members, nearing its maximum capacity.
- Azharuddin is the first Muslim minister in the Revanth Reddy-led Cabinet.
- His role in Minorities Welfare reflects a strategic political move.
- The Cabinet's formation and expansion have seen significant delays.
Hyderabad, Nov 4 (NationPress) Mohammed Azharuddin, who recently assumed his role as a minister in the Telangana Cabinet, received the responsibilities of Minorities Welfare and Public Enterprises on Tuesday.
The portfolios were assigned to Azharuddin by Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, marking a significant moment for the Congress leader and former Indian cricket captain.
Previously, the Minorities Welfare portfolio was overseen by Adluri Laxman Kumar, the Minister for Scheduled Caste Development and Tribal Welfare, while Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy managed the Public Enterprises Department.
This allocation of portfolios comes just four days after Azharuddin was inducted into the Council of Ministers.
The oath of office and secrecy was administered by the governor during a ceremony at Raj Bhavan on October 31.
At 62, Azharuddin stands out as the first Muslim representative in the cabinet led by Revanth Reddy.
In August, the State Cabinet nominated Azharuddin as a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) under the Governor's quota.
His induction into the Cabinet precedes the November 11 bye-election for the Jubilee Hills Assembly constituency.
Despite his prior candidacy in 2023 from his home constituency, the Congress leadership chose to support Naveen Yadav instead, while assuring Azharuddin a ministerial position.
Notably, all major Muslim candidates from the Congress party, including Azharuddin, faced defeats in the 2023 Assembly elections.
His appointment as a minister is interpreted as a strategic move by the Congress party to engage with the Muslim electorate, which constitutes approximately 30% of the voters in Jubilee Hills.
Currently, Azharuddin holds the position of working president of Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) and is part of its Political Affairs Committee.
With Azharuddin's induction, the strength of the State Cabinet has now reached 16 members.
This Cabinet was initially formed on December 7, 2023, when Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and 11 ministers took their oaths.
After a significant delay, the Cabinet was expanded on June 8 with the inclusion of three additional ministers.
The maximum number of ministers in the State Cabinet, including the Chief Minister, is capped at 18.
Point of View
Azharuddin's appointment as a minister in the Telangana Cabinet is a clear indication of the Congress party's strategy to reconnect with the Muslim community after setbacks in the 2023 elections. This move could potentially reshape electoral dynamics in the region, reflecting the party's commitment to inclusivity and representation.
NationPress
05/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mohammed Azharuddin?
Mohammed Azharuddin is a former Indian cricket captain and a current minister in the Telangana Cabinet, responsible for Minorities Welfare and Public Enterprises.
What portfolios has Azharuddin been assigned?
Azharuddin has been assigned the portfolios of Minorities Welfare and Public Enterprises.
Why is Azharuddin's appointment significant?
His appointment is significant as it represents the Congress party's attempt to engage with the Muslim electorate, which is a crucial demographic in the region.
What is the current strength of the Telangana Cabinet?
With Azharuddin's induction, the strength of the Telangana Cabinet has increased to 16 members.
What was the context of Azharuddin's induction?
Azharuddin was inducted into the Cabinet ahead of the November 11 bye-election for the Jubilee Hills Assembly constituency.
