Hyderabad : Congress leader and former cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin was sworn in as a minister in Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s cabinet on Friday. Governor Jishnu Dev Verma administered the oath of office and secrecy to the former Indian cricket captain in the presence of senior leaders, including the Chief Minister.
Azharuddin’s entry into the ministry is being seen as a significant political move for the Congress, especially as the party faces a tough contest in the upcoming Jubilee Hills bypoll. The constituency, which has over one lakh Muslim voters, is expected to play a decisive role in the election. Azharuddin dismissed claims that his appointment was linked to the bypoll. “I am happy. I thank my party’s high command, the public and my supporters.
He added, Whatever responsibility I am given, I will work honestly for the upliftment of the oppressed people. G. Kishan Reddy can say anything. I do not need a certificate of patriotism from anyone. His appointment came even as the BJP sharply criticised the move, calling it political appeasement aimed at minority-vote banking ahead of the bypoll. The BJP described the induction of Azharuddin as a reward for electoral expedience rather than merit-based governance.
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