Hyderabad: A political controversy has erupted ahead of former cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin’s swearing-in as minister, scheduled for Thursday at Raj Bhavan. While preparations for the ceremony are underway, the State Election Commissioner has written to the Central Election Commission seeking clarity on the matter, following objections from opposition parties.
The BJP and BRS have lodged complaints with the Election Commission, alleging that appointing Azharuddin as minister during the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct amounts to a violation of election norms. Both parties accused the Congress government of attempting to influence voters in the Jubilee Hills constituency, where a by-election campaign is currently in progress. The State Chief Electoral Officer has requested guidance from the Central Election Commission on how to proceed with the issue, creating suspense over the Commission’s next decision.
♦ టీమిండియా మాజీ క్రికెటర్ మహ్మద్ అజారుద్దీన్ రేపు (శుక్రవారం) మధ్యాహ్నం 12:15 గంటలకు రాజ్ భవన్లో మంత్రిగా ప్రమాణ స్వీకారం చేయనున్నారు.#Azharuddin #TelanganaPolitics pic.twitter.com/pl24eKLlV4
— AIR News Hyderabad (@airnews_hyd) October 30, 2025
Sources said the government has scheduled Azharuddin’s oath-taking ceremony for 12:15 p.m. on Thursday and has already issued invitations to ministers and key officials. The move has gained political significance, as Jubilee Hills constituency has nearly one lakh Muslim voters. Opposition parties have alleged that Azharuddin’s inclusion in the cabinet is a strategic move by the Congress to attract minority votes.
Reacting to the criticism, Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka accused the BJP and BRS of conspiring to obstruct Azharuddin’s appointment. He lauded Azharuddin as a sports icon who brought global recognition to India as the long-time captain of the national cricket team. “It is unfortunate that such a distinguished sportsperson is being targeted for political reasons,” Bhatti stated.
ప్రపంచ వ్యాప్తంగా దేశ కీర్తిని చాటి చెప్పిన
క్రీడాకారుల్లో అజారుద్దీన్ ఒకరు.దేశ క్రికెట్ జట్టుకు సుదీర్ఘ కాలం కెప్టెన్ గా వ్యవహరించిన
అజారుద్దీన్ దేశానికి ఎంతో సేవ చేశారు.మహమ్మద్ అజారుద్దీన్ గారిని మంత్రి వర్గంలోకి తీసుకోకుండా
బీజేపీ కుట్రలు చేస్తోంది.విఖ్యాత… pic.twitter.com/i8HSxQvDPh
— Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu (@Bhatti_Mallu) October 30, 2025