Meet the Muslim minister in Yogi Adityanath's cabinet

The minister has played several Ranji Trophy matches for the state.

Mohsin Raza, a former Uttar Pradesh cricketer has made it to the Yogi Adityanath cabinet. The 47-year-old is the only Muslim in the cabinet. It may be recalled that the BJP had not fielded a single Muslim candidate for the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections 2017.

Raza had joined the BJP in 2013 and was the spokesperson of the party. He played first class cricket for UP before turning to politics. He has played several Ranji Trophy matches for the state.

Raza has not contested the elections. He has six months time before he can be elected either into the assembly or the legislative council.

Raza has been very vocal about his views of the Samajwadi Party. He accused the SP of using Muslims for his political benefits.

The BJP with the inclusion of Raza in the Cabinet has tried to strike a balance after it was criticised for not fielding Muslims in the elections. The BJP, however, said that the candidates were chosen on merit and the winnability factor.

OneIndia News