Former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin has officially entered the political arena as a Telangana minister. The veteran cricketer, who represents the Congress party, was sworn in as part of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s cabinet on Friday. So let’s know about Mohammad Azharuddin Telangana Minister.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at Raj Bhavan, where Governor Jishnu Dev Varma administered the oath of office and secrecy. The event was attended by senior Congress leaders, cabinet members, and other dignitaries, marking Azharuddin’s formal induction into the Telangana government.
BJP Criticizes Azharuddin’s Appointment
The appointment of Mohammad Azharuddin has sparked a political debate. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has sharply criticized the Congress government’s decision, calling it an act of “political appeasement” aimed at securing minority votes ahead of the Jubilee Hills bypoll.
According to BJP leaders, the Congress move is strategically designed to strengthen its support base among the Muslim community, which makes up a significant portion of the Jubilee Hills constituency.
Jubilee Hills Bypoll and Political Implications
The Jubilee Hills bypoll, which is expected to take place soon, has roughly one lakh Muslim voters. Political analysts believe Azharuddin’s appointment could play a key role in influencing voter sentiment in the area.
However, the Congress has dismissed these claims, stating that Azharuddin’s selection is purely merit-based and unrelated to electoral motives.
Azharuddin Responds to BJP’s Allegations
Responding to BJP’s criticism, Mohammad Azharuddin denied any connection between his appointment and the upcoming bypoll. He called the allegations “rubbish” and insisted that both matters should be treated separately.
“I am happy. I thank my party’s high command, the public, and my supporters. This (becoming a minister) has nothing to do with the Jubilee by-election. These are two separate matters and should not be linked,” said Azharuddin.
His statement reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Telangana through his new ministerial role.
From Cricket Captain to Political Leader
Although Azharuddin now steps into a new chapter as a political leader, leadership is not unfamiliar territory for him. The former Indian captain was one of the most successful ODI leaders in Indian cricket history.
During his tenure as India’s captain, Azharuddin led the team for nearly a decade, achieving a record 90 wins in 174 ODIs — a milestone that remained unbeaten until MS Dhoni surpassed it in 2014. He also guided India to Asia Cup victories in 1990 and 1995.
However, his cricketing career ended controversially following match-fixing allegations, which temporarily overshadowed his achievements. Despite that, his contribution to Indian cricket remains undeniable.
Also read: Why is Arshdeep Singh Not Played in AUS vs IND 2nd T20I?
Conclusion
Mohammad Azharuddin’s appointment as a Telangana minister marks a significant development in his post-cricket journey. While BJP’s criticism highlights the political divide, Azharuddin’s focus remains on governance and public service.
As the Jubilee Hills bypoll nears, his entry into the cabinet could have far-reaching implications in Telangana’s political landscape.
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