Azharuddin: A Bed of Roses or a Crown of Thorns?

By: Dr. Syed Fazil Hussain Parvez

“At long last, disbelief has been shattered; God be praised.”

The long wait is finally over. The indication that Mohammad Azharuddin may be inducted as a minister in the Telangana cabinet has brought a wave of joy not only in Telangana but also among Indians across the country and abroad.

This announcement truly fits the proverb, “one blow of the blacksmith is worth a hundred of the goldsmith”, as it came at a time when Muslims in the Jubilee Hills constituency were confused whether to support the Congress or to express anger over the party’s failure to fulfill promises, its neglect of Muslim representation, and the denial of a party ticket to any Muslim candidate. Some were even considering boycotting the election or voting against Congress in protest.

For Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, the Jubilee Hills by-election is a test of his leadership. According to reports, several Congress leaders secretly wish that the negative results from this election might impact Revanth Reddy’s political future. Internal groupism has always been part of Congress culture, as have rivalries and complaints within any major party. However, in recent times, such incidents have become more visible in Congress, potentially affecting the election outcome.

Since many Muslims in Jubilee Hills seemed disinterested in the polls, the Congress high command grew concerned about reports of Muslim discontent. The inclusion of a Muslim minister may have temporarily eased their grievances, but most of the election promises still remain unfulfilled.

Azharuddin, who has served as a Member of Parliament, will now be a state minister. Naturally, Muslims of the state will have expectations from him. It is a fact that regardless of which party governs, the real influence in Hyderabad has long rested with the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM). Had Congress or Azharuddin reached an understanding with Barrister Asaduddin Owaisi during last year’s elections, the results might have been very different. But politics is never about ifs and buts; what happens is always what God wills.

No doubt, Azharuddin’s inclusion in the ministry has delighted many. Yet the truth remains that for him, the ministry will not be a bed of roses but a crown of thorns. Attaining power is an honor; retaining it is the real challenge. As they say, climbing Mount Everest is not the hardest part, staying there is.

Whenever a Muslim is appointed minister, the common man begins to expect that all his problems will now be solved instantly, but that is not realistic. Any representative, Muslim or otherwise, can only try his best to work for the welfare of his community; sometimes he succeeds, sometimes circumstances create obstacles.

During my journalistic career, I have seen many Muslim ministers in Andhra Pradesh, but only a few, such as Basheeruddin Babu Khan and Mohammed Ali Shabbir, took concrete and effective steps for their people. Babu Khan was stern in speech and strict in principles, but his compassion for his community was unmatched. Shabbir, a fearless Congress leader, played a historic role in securing 4 percent reservations for Muslims, which have benefited thousands of youth in education and employment over the past two decades.

Azharuddin, without doubt, enjoys international fame. But if he truly wishes to serve his community through politics, he must first step out of the shell of stardom, because the common man cares not for fame but for work. He must ensure that every citizen can reach him directly, without middlemen. Too often, only influential people can meet ministers, while the common man waits for hours, leaves disappointed, and feels unheard.

In this age of information technology, ministers could at least use CCTV or digital tools to monitor visitors and ensure no petitioner goes unheard. Usually, a circle forms around those in power, people who exploit the minister’s name for personal gain, while the minister’s reputation suffers. Keeping distance from such elements is wise.

Earlier, Aamir Ali Khan was made an MLC, and it was expected that he would also be given a ministry. From the very beginning, Aamir Ali Khan worked tirelessly for community welfare and pledged to help five lakh youths find employment. He traveled across Telangana, studying the social and educational condition of Muslims, and prepared detailed reports. Even after losing his Council membership, he continued his efforts through Siyasat Hub. As minister, Azharuddin can cooperate in fulfilling Aamir Ali Khan’s vision and benefit from his experience.

Senior leader Mohammed Ali Shabbir is fond of Azharuddin. Though he himself holds no ministry, his experience and guidance can serve as a beacon for Azhar. Similarly, Faheem Qureshi, a close confidant of the Chief Minister, is another person Azhar should work closely with. For educational progress, he can also consult experts like Zafar Javed and others. Feroz Khan has his own influence; he too should be included in joint efforts.

Moreover, Azharuddin should seek advice from scholars, clerics, economists, and industrialists, and form advisory committees to meet them regularly. Above all, maintaining cordial relations with the AIMIM leadership is essential, for in politics there are no permanent friends or enemies.

In last year’s elections, Congress and AIMIM hurled bitter words at each other, but today in the by-election they appear as allies. It was a pleasant sight to see Asaduddin Owaisi and Azharuddin embracing each other in Jubilee Hills; may this warmth last. Azhar should refrain from making any public or private remarks against AIMIM. Politics is a swamp where even one’s own shadow cannot be trusted. In today’s world, the smallest statement can go viral in seconds. Those who stay around you, your drivers, gunmen, or security guards, may not always be loyal; even a casual remark during a car ride can reach your rivals instantly.

Whatever portfolio Azharuddin receives, his bond with the community will remain. He must find time and will to serve. If he gets the Sports Ministry, well and good. Even if not, as a sportsman, he should strive to promote sports in Telangana, especially among youth from minority and rural backgrounds. He can use his influence to secure jobs for young athletes. The state’s football association, for instance, is suffering due to internal disputes, and tournaments have stalled. This deserves his attention.

Time is short and tasks are many. Resources and powers may be limited, but the community’s expectations are vast. Yet where there is will, there is always a way.

Azharuddin must remember that Allah has honored him as a member of the Ummah of the Prophet (peace be upon him), who conquered hearts through honesty and truth. The Rightly Guided Caliphs followed the same path. Now, at this mature stage of life, God has granted Azharuddin a great responsibility, an honor close to life’s twilight years. He already has fame, wealth, and respect. With power now in his hands, he must express gratitude through sincere public service so that he earns honor both in this world and the next.

If not, disgrace in both worlds awaits.

In any case, our prayers and best wishes are with Azharuddin. This is the beginning of a journey of trials; may Allah grant him steadfastness.

(Translated in English. Original article published in Urdu as editorial of GAWAH Urdu Weekly.)