Picture Credit : @azharflicks/X
Congress leader and former Indian cricket Captain Mohammad Azharuddin was sworn in as a minister in Telangana CM A Revanth Reddy’s cabinet .
In a simple function held at Raj Bhavan, Governor Jishnu Dev Verma administered the oaths to the former Indian skipper in the presence of important leaders, including the CM.
Later Azharuddin his induction wrote on X, 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 Shri KC Venugopal Ji for their trust and guidance. My sincere thanks to our Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri A. Revanth Reddy Garu, Shri Mahesh Goud Garu, Smt Meenakshi Natrajan Madam, Shri P. Visshwanathan Sir, and my esteemed colleagues in the Council of Ministers for their support. Above all, I thank the people of Telangana for their love and faith. I remain deeply committed to serving you with dedication, integrity, and purpose.
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
According to media reports, With the inclusion of Azharuddin, the total strength of the cabinet rose to 16, with room for two more. As per the Assembly strength, Telangana can have 18 ministers.
The former cricketer’s appointment to the ministry is seen as a crucial step as the Congress party has been fighting tooth and nail in the Jubilee Hills bypoll, where over a lakh Muslim voters could play a decisive role.
The bypoll is necessitated due to the death of BRS MLA Maganti Gopinath in June this year, following a heart attack. Azharuddin was nominated as a member of the legislative council (MLC) under the Governor’s quota by the Telangana government in August last week. However, Governor Jishnu Dev Varma is yet to clear the appointment.
Azharuddin unsuccessfully contested from the Jubilee Hills assembly constituency in the 2023 polls.
