Synopsis: The Congress government in Telangana is set to induct former Indian cricket captain Mohammed Azharuddin into the state cabinet, in what is widely seen as a desperate bid to consolidate Muslim support ahead of the crucial Jubilee Hills by-election. Although Azharuddin does not hold a legislative seat, his induction is intended to counter a sympathy surge for the Bharat Rashtra Samithi. However, analysts warn that the move could easily backfire, being perceived as last-minute tokenism that risks alienating non-Muslim and party loyalist voters.

The ruling Congress in Telangana has decided to induct former Indian cricket captain Mohammed Azharuddin into the state cabinet, even though he does not hold a seat in either the Assembly or the Legislative Council.

The decision, confirm

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