Lucknow. Much to everyone’s surprize, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s included one Muslim face – Mohsin Raza, a retired cricketer in his council of minister. Raza, who recently joined BJP. 40-year-old Raza, who recently joined the BJP, was appointed party’s spokesperson in the state. Raza has Bhopal connection too. He is a son in law of senior BJP leader and Manipur’s Governor Nazma Heptullas.
However, his appointment has surprised many. Raza’s appointment was quite inevitable as there are several departments in Uttar Pradesh which can only be run by a Muslim candidate. Raza is likely to be given the charge of Minority Affairs Ministry which comprises many departments working for the development of minority community in the state.
Raza, 49, is the eldest son of Syed Jina Raza Naqvi, who claims to hail from a family of Shia zamindars based in Shafipur area of Unnao district. Raza represented the state in Ranji tournaments. He also acted in TV serials. He joined the Congress in 1999. Rizwan Shamshad, a former UP all-rounder, said, “He was a good all-rounder. Had he focused on cricket, he would have played at a higher level. He used to keep the mood in the team very light.”
“Later he got in touch with Atalji and joined the BJP in 2012,” said Arshi. Raza has represented the BJP in TV debates for the last two years. Family members claimed that Raza’s wife Fauzia Sarvat Fatima is related to Manipur Governor Najma Heptulla. On Adityanath becoming CM, Arshi said, “It is in a way good for Muslims… First it was the fear of Modi and now the fear of Yogi… All their fears are being removed.”
