Azharuddin Likely To Join State Cabinet On Oct 31

Former Indian cricket captain and nominated MLC Mohammad Azharuddin is expected to be inducted as a minister on October 31.

Azharuddin, who was recently nominated to the Legislative Council under the Governor's quota, has not yet taken oath as an MLC. However, the Chief Minister is said to have decided to administer him the oath as a minister first.

The move carries significant political weight ahead of the Jubilee Hills Assembly by-election scheduled for November 11. Azharuddin had contested from the constituency in the previous Assembly elections but lost to Maganti Gopinath of the BRS. With the by-election approaching, he was reportedly hopeful of securing the party ticket again. However, taking into account various political equations, the Chief Minister decided to send him to the Legislative Council, while Naveen Yadav has been fielded as the party's candidate from the constituency.

Currently there is no dedicated Minority Welfare Minister in the Telangana Cabinet, with the Chief Minister himself holding the portfolio. Party insiders suggest that Azharuddin, a prominent figure from the minority community, is likely to be entrusted that portfolio after his induction.

Azharuddin's inclusion in the Cabinet is seen as a strategic move to consolidate the Muslim votes, which play a decisive role in Jubilee Hills (there are 1.2 lakh Muslims in the constituency). By bringing him into the Cabinet, the Congress, which has been facing flak for having no Muslims in the Cabinet, and no MLA or MLC even, aims to strengthen its minority outreach ahead of the by-election.