Senior Congress leader and former Indian cricket captain Mohammed Azharuddin formally assumed charge as Telangana’s Minister for Minorities Welfare and Public Enterprises on Monday, November 10. The ceremony took place at the state secretariat in Hyderabad, where he was accompanied by Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar and several prominent Congress leaders. Azharuddin had earlier taken oath as a cabinet minister on October 31 at the Raj Bhavan, marking his official entry into the Revanth Reddy-led government.

Azharuddin’s elevation to the cabinet follows his nomination as a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) under the Governor’s quota, which cleared the path for his ministerial appointment. His induction reflects the ruling party’s intent to strengthen minority representation in governance, especially with Azharuddin set to become the only Muslim minister in the current Telangana cabinet. The appointment is seen as both a political and symbolic move ahead of key electoral developments.

The decision to bring Azharuddin into the Council of Ministers aligns with the government’s proposal to expand the cabinet, raising its total strength to 16. His entry comes at a strategically significant time, particularly with the upcoming Jubilee Hills by-election where minority voters play an influential role. As he assumes charge, Azharuddin is expected to bring both political experience and public goodwill, adding momentum to the government’s efforts in widening its outreach across Telangana.