Hyderabad: Former cricketer Mohammed Azharuddin has become the first Muslim to lead the Minorities Welfare Department in Telangana since the state’s formation. Sworn in as a cabinet minister on October 31, Azharuddin has been allocated the portfolios of Minorities Welfare and Public Enterprises in Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s government.
The appointment is viewed as part of the Congress government’s effort to reinforce its engagement with the Muslim community ahead of upcoming political cycles. Previously, the Minorities Welfare portfolio had been handled either by non-Muslim ministers or directly by the chief minister. During the first BRS government (2014–18), K. Chandrasekhar Rao personally managed the department, while Mahmood Ali served as deputy chief minister with charge of revenue and registration. In the second BRS term, the portfolio was assigned to Koppula Eshwar, who also oversaw SC and disabled welfare, while Mahmood Ali became home minister.
After Congress assumed office in December 2023, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy initially retained the portfolio before assigning it to Adluri Laxman in June 2024. With Azharuddin’s inclusion, the ministry has returned to Muslim leadership for the first time in over a decade.
Azharuddin’s continuation in the cabinet depends on his entry into the legislature, as he must secure a position as MLA or MLC within six months, by April 30, 2026. The state government has proposed his nomination as MLC under the governor’s quota, pending approval from Governor Jishu Dev Varma amid an ongoing Supreme Court stay on similar appointments.
