Mohammed Azharuddin Takes Charge as Telangana Minister for Minorities Welfare and Public Enterprises

Hyderabad, Nov 2025 — Former Indian cricket captain Mohammed Azharuddin formally assumed charge as Telangana’s Minister for Minorities Welfare and Public Enterprises on Monday, marking a new milestone in his political journey. Azharuddin, who was sworn in on October 31, took charge at the Dr B. R. Ambedkar Secretariat in the presence of senior state leaders.

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, Telangana Congress president Mahesh Kumar Goud, ministers Uttam Kumar Reddy, Vakati Srihari, Ponnam Prabhakar, government advisor Mohammed Ali Shabbir and several party leaders were present to congratulate him as he began his ministerial responsibilities.

Speaking to the media after taking charge, Azharuddin said he never imagined during his cricketing career that he would one day become a minister. “I thought I would eventually become a cricket coach, but life took a different turn and brought me into politics,” he remarked.

Expressing gratitude, the 62-year-old said he owed his rise to the grace of Almighty Allah and the blessings of his grandparents, parents and family members. He also thanked the Congress high command and Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy for showing confidence in him and including him in the state Cabinet.

Azharuddin assured that he would work sincerely and transparently to address pending issues concerning minority welfare. He emphasised that the government was committed to ensuring the upliftment and development of all marginalized communities.

Reflecting on his political journey, the former MP recalled how he was asked to contest the Moradabad Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh just three months after entering politics. “I can never forget the love and support the people of Moradabad gave me,” he said. He also spoke about contesting from Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan in 2014, where despite the defeat, he received strong public backing.

Azharuddin is the first Muslim minister in the Revanth Reddy-led Cabinet, following the state government’s decision in August to nominate him to the Legislative Council under the Governor’s quota. His induction comes just ahead of the November 11 by-election to the Jubilee Hills Assembly constituency.

Although Azharuddin hoped to contest again from his home constituency—where he lost in 2023—the Congress chose Naveen Yadav as its candidate, promising Azharuddin a Cabinet berth instead.

He currently serves as the Working President of the Telangana Congress and is also a member of the party’s Political Affairs Committee.