The Telangana government has finalised the timing for its latest Cabinet expansion, with former cricketer and senior politician Mohd Azharuddin set to take oath at 12 noon on Friday at Raj Bhavan.
The official invite for his swearing-in ceremony has already been sent out and is now making rounds on social media. Governor Jishnudev Varma will administer the oath to Azharuddin during the ceremony.
For months, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s government has faced criticism for not including a minority representative in the Cabinet. Responding to that, the Congress high command decided to nominate Azharuddin through the Governor’s MLC quota and induct him into the ministry.
By appointing Azharuddin, the Congress also ensures Hyderabad’s representation in the Cabinet while aiming to strengthen its connection with the minority community. His inclusion is expected to balance both political and regional representation within the government.
Azharuddin had contested from Jubilee Hills in the 2023 Assembly elections but lost. He had lobbied for the Jubilee Hills by-election ticket, but Naveen Yadav was chosen instead. Reports suggest that Azharuddin will now be given the portfolio of Minority Affairs Minister.
