Former cricketer and senior Congress leader Mohammad Azharuddin has officially entered the Telangana cabinet led by CM Revanth Reddy. After taking oath last week, there was strong speculation that Azharuddin might be given the Home portfolio. However, the government has now issued orders revealing his actual responsibilities.
Azharuddin has been assigned two portfolios, Minority Welfare and Public Enterprises. While the Minority Welfare department has been an established wing for years, the Public Enterprises department is newly created. Interestingly, this is the first time such a ministry has been introduced, as it did not exist even during the KCR administration or the undivided Andhra Pradesh era. Political circles are interpreting this as a move to give Azharuddin a distinctive platform within the cabinet.
With portfolios now in hand, Azharuddin is set to begin his ministerial journey. The Minority Welfare department gives him a chance to implement welfare schemes that directly benefit the community, including pending promises such as enhanced support for Haj pilgrims and easy loan access for minority youth.
As for the newly formed Public Enterprises department, it is expected to focus on promoting employment and entrepreneurship among young people through state-run enterprises. Though the much-hyped Home Ministry didn’t come his way, Azharuddin’s new responsibilities reflect the government’s trust in his leadership and his potential to connect with diverse communities in Telangana.
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