'Symbol Of Party's Trust': UP's Lone Muslim Minister On Cabinet Berth
Danish Azad Ansari claimed that the faith of Muslims in the BJP has increased. (File)
Lucknow: UP's lone Muslim minister Danish Azad Ansari said his election as a minister is a symbol of the party's faith in its dedicated worker.
A native of Ballia, Mr. Ansari was sworn in as a minister of state in the new BJP-led government in Uttar Pradesh on Friday.
At present, Mr Ansari is not a member of either house of the Uttar Pradesh legislature.
"I thank the party for giving an ordinary party worker like me such a big opportunity. I thank them for this. I would discharge my duties with full honesty," he said.
In response to a question about timing, he said, "No, it was not unexpected. The BJP values each and every worker. For me this signifies the party's confidence in its workers."
In addition, he said that Muslims' faith in the BJP has increased.
"The welfare schemes run by the BJP are benefitting the Muslims. This government does not ask anyone's caste and religion before giving them benefits of the schemes. The BJP works for basic facilities and necessities of the Muslims," he added.
He is the only Muslim leader in the Yogi Adityanath-led government of Uttar Pradesh.
Former state minister of minorities welfare Mohsin Raza was replaced by him during the previous Adityanath government.