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Hyderabad, Oct.29 (PMI): Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is expected to expand his cabinet on October 31, with former Indian cricket captain and newly nominated MLC Mohammad Azharuddin likely to be inducted as a minister.
According to reliable sources within the Congress party, Azharuddin — who was recently nominated to the Legislative Council under the Governor’s quota — has not yet taken oath as MLC. However, the Chief Minister is reportedly planning to have him take oath directly as a minister, as part of the upcoming cabinet expansion.
The development carries notable political significance in view of the Jubilee Hills Assembly by-election scheduled 
for November 11. Azharuddin had contested from Jubilee Hills in the previous Assembly polls but was unsuccessful. Although he was keen to contest again, the Congress leadership decided to nominate him to the Legislative Council, while Naveen Yadav was fielded as the party’s candidate from the constituency.
At present, there is no separate Minority Welfare Minister in the Telangana cabinet, with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy himself holding the portfolio. Party insiders suggest that Azharuddin, a well-known figure from the minority community, is likely to be entrusted with the Minority Welfare portfolio after his induction.
The inclusion of Azharuddin in the cabinet is widely seen as a strategic move to consolidate minority votes, particularly in the Jubilee Hills area. The Congress leadership aims to leverage his popularity and credibility to enhance its minority outreach and electoral prospects ahead of the by-election. (PMI).
