Mohammad Azharuddin was sworn in by Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan

Former cricketer and MLC Mohammed Azharuddin was sworn in as a minister in the Telangana government on Friday. The oath ceremony was held at Raj Bhavan.

By-elections are scheduled for November 11 in the Jubilee Hills assembly constituency, which has nearly 30% Muslim voters. Azharuddin’s inclusion in the cabinet is seen as a strategic move by the Congress, which may benefit from his appointment.

Azharuddin had contested from Jubilee Hills in 2023 but lost. Until now, the Congress government in Telangana has had no Muslim minister, drawing criticism for a lack of representation.

With Azharuddin’s induction, the Revanth Reddy cabinet now has 16 ministers, out of a possible 18.

3 pictures of Azharuddin's swearing-in...

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