Muslim Ministers in the Telangana Cabinet

All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday deflected a pointed question on the absence of Muslim representation in the Telangana Cabinet led by the Congress party. During a press conference at the AIMIM headquarters in Darussalam, Hyderabad, Owaisi refused to comment directly and told reporters to direct their queries to the ruling government instead.

“Why are you asking me? I don’t ask what’s cooking in your house. Ask the chief minister,” Owaisi responded sharply, making it clear that he did not want to be drawn into the controversy. When further pressed, he remarked, “Jo jeeta woh Sikandar… Hamarku koi shauk nahi hai” (The winner takes it all… we have no desire for posts), effectively distancing himself and his party from the cabinet discussions.

The question came amid growing concern in political circles and the Muslim community over the Congress government’s decision not to induct a single Muslim minister, despite the party having received substantial support from minority voters in the 2023 Assembly elections. However, none of the Muslim candidates fielded by the Congress won their seats, reducing the party’s options for Muslim representation in the Cabinet.

Despite this, the Congress nominated Amer Ali Khan, editor of The Siasat Daily, as a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC), a move seen as a symbolic gesture rather than a significant political representation.

AIMIM’s unofficial alliance with the Congress is similar to the understanding it had with the previous Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) government. The AIMIM, which has consistently supported ruling parties in Telangana without seeking cabinet positions, appears to be continuing its strategy of informal influence rather than formal power-sharing.

Political analysts view this as a tactical decision. “Owaisi prefers to support governments from the outside. It allows him to wield influence without direct accountability or having to compromise on party ideology,” said a Hyderabad-based political observer, who wished to remain anonymous.

He further added, “If AIMIM were to join the cabinet, they would be answerable to the government’s performance. This way, they can maintain a stronghold over their base while influencing policies indirectly.”

Historically, Owaisi has refrained from seeking power in the form of ministerial posts, even during the BRS regime. This strategy, however, has drawn criticism from some sections of the Muslim community, who believe direct representation in government is essential for addressing issues effectively.

As Telangana continues to evolve politically post-2023 elections, the issue of minority representation — and the AIMIM’s unique political positioning — is likely to remain a topic of debate.

(With inputs from agencies)

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