BJP slams congress over Mohammad Azharuddin’s Ministerial appointment, Government counterback

At the swearing-in ceremony, several Ministers, officials, and a large number of leaders were there in attendance. This is the second expansion of the State Cabinet since Revanth Reddy took charge as Chief Minister two years ago.

Hyderabad: Former Indian cricket skipper and Congress leader Mohammad Azharuddin was sworn in as a Cabinet Minister on Friday.

Governor Jishnu Dev Varma administered the oath of office and secrecy to Azharuddin at a simple ceremony at Raj Bhavan. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy heartily congratulated Azharuddin on being sworn in as Minister in the State Cabinet.

At the swearing-in ceremony, several Ministers, officials, and a large number of leaders were there in attendance. This is the second expansion of the State Cabinet since Revanth Reddy took charge as Chief Minister two years ago.

Honoured and humbled to be sworn in today as a Cabinet Minister in the Telangana Government by Shri Jishnu Dev Verma Garu, Hon’ble Governor of Telangana.

My heartfelt gratitude to Shri Mallikarjun Kharge Ji, Smt Sonia Gandhi Ji, Shri Rahul Gandhi Ji, Smt Priyanka Gandhi Ji, and… pic.twitter.com/xXPNnlLbbG

— Mohammed Azharuddin (@azharflicks) October 31, 2025

Strategic Move By Congress

The appointment of former Indian cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin as a cabinet minister by the Congress government in Telangana is being considered a strategic move. This decision comes as the party is preparing for the Jubilee Hills Assembly by-election, which has over 100,000 Muslim voters, which could influence the outcome.

Also Read This: Will Donald Trump once again distance himself from Pakistan because of India?

Looking At The Jubilee Hills By-Election

The Jubilee Hills seat fell vacant in June this year following the death of BRS MLA Manganti Gopinath. A by-election is now scheduled for this seat. Political analysts believe that appointing Azharuddin as a minister is part of the Congress's strategy to strengthen its support base among the Muslim community.

Nominated for MLC

Last August, the Telangana government sent a proposal to nominate Azharuddin to the Legislative Council (MLC) from the Governor's quota. However, Governor Jishnu Dev Varma has not yet approved the proposal. Azharuddin contested the 2023 assembly elections from the Jubilee Hills constituency on a Congress ticket but lost.

BJP Accuses Congress of violating the code of conduct

The opposition has strongly objected to Azharuddin's ministerial appointment. The BJP has written to the Election Commission, calling it a "violation of the code of conduct" and alleging that Congress is trying to influence voters ahead of the by-elections through this move. BJP leaders said, "Azharuddin was seeking a ticket from the same assembly constituency, and now by making him a minister, Congress has tried to influence the election atmosphere."

Also Read This: SC to continue hearing petitions filed by Umar Khalid and Sharjeel

Congress Counterattacks

Congress, responding to the BJP's allegations, said that no rules were violated in this appointment. The party said, "In Rajasthan too, the BJP made its candidate a minister before the elections, and he lost. Azharuddin's appointment is part of fulfilling Congress's promise of social justice."

Become A Member Within 6 Months

Constitutional rules require any non-MLA to become a member of the Legislative Council or Legislative Assembly within six months of becoming a minister. Azharuddin is currently neither an MLA nor a member of the Legislative Council. If he fails to become an MLC within six months, he will have to resign as a minister.