The Telangana government has officially assigned portfolios to newly inducted Minister Azharuddin. He will now handle Public Enterprises and Minority Welfare. While the Minority Welfare post was expected, many of his supporters were hoping he would receive the Home Ministry.
However, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy chose not to give the Home portfolio to the former cricketer. After taking oath, Azharuddin said he would give his best to any department he is trusted with and that he has no personal preference.
Azharuddin’s inclusion was aimed at ensuring minority representation in the state Cabinet. With his induction, Hyderabad also gains representation.
Until now, the Minority Welfare portfolio was held by Adluri Laxman Kumar, and Public Enterprises was under CM Revanth Reddy. The Governor has now formally allocated these two portfolios to Azharuddin.
Azharuddin becomes the 16th member of the Cabinet and the only Muslim minister. His appointment is expected to strengthen the ruling party’s minority base in the Jubilee Hills by-poll and upcoming local body elections.
