Former cricketer and Congress leader Mohammed Azharuddin assumed charge as Telangana’s Minister for Minorities Welfare and Public Enterprises, becoming the lone Muslim face in the state cabinet.

Former Indian cricket captain and senior Congress leader Mohammed Azharuddin formally took charge as Telangana’s Minister for Minorities Welfare and Public Enterprises on Monday, November 10, at the state secretariat. The ceremony was attended by Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar and several Congress leaders.

Azharuddin, who was sworn in as minister on October 31 at Raj Bhavan, entered the cabinet after being nominated to the Legislative Council under the Governor’s quota. His induction raises the cabinet strength to 16 and makes him the only Muslim representative in the current Telangana ministry.

Analysis: Azharuddin’s inclusion carries both symbolic and strategic weight for the Congress, especially ahead of the Jubilee Hills by-election, a constituency with a significant minority vote bank. His appointment is seen as an attempt to reinforce the party’s connect with the community while also broadening its leadership base in Telangana politics.