Mohammad Azharuddin defends minister post amid Jubilee Hills by-election criticism

Hyderabad: Telangana Minorities Welfare Minister Mohammad Azharuddin defended his induction into the state cabinet after opposition parties accused the Congress government of using his appointment to attract minority votes ahead of the Jubilee Hills by-election.

Both the BJP and the BRS alleged that the Congress made a political move to influence minority voters. However, Azharuddin dismissed the criticism and said Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy intended to promote minority welfare, not electoral gain.

Mohammad Azharuddin Jubilee Hills by-election statement

“The Chief Minister’s purpose behind giving me a cabinet position is clear — he wants to ensure the progress of minorities,” Azharuddin said. “It is unfortunate that some people fail to recognize his efforts. But I can say confidently that he has done a lot for our community.”

He reminded that after the World Cup victory, the Chief Minister appointed cricketer Mohammed Siraj as a DSP in recognition of his achievement. “Revanth Reddy always assigns the right people to the right positions,” the minister added.

Azharuddin also thanked the Chief Minister for trusting him with the portfolio and appreciated his colleagues who recommended his name. “I also thank the party leadership for giving me an opportunity to serve,” he said.

Azharuddin calls CM’s move a political masterstroke

Responding to opposition criticism surrounding the Jubilee Hills by-election, Azharuddin said, “Politics will always remain politics. Even if what the opposition says is true, there is nothing wrong with it. Jubilee Hills has a large minority population, and every party naturally aims to gain political advantage.”

He described the Chief Minister’s decision as a “masterstroke” and said it would strengthen the Congress government’s connection with minority communities.