Mohsin Raza, Minister In Yogi Adityanath Government, Takes The Forefront In War Of Words Over His CM's Claim For Filmcity In Noida

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath's visit to Mumbai for listing the Lucknow Municipal corporation bond at the Bombay Stock Exchange has seen him take active participation in promoting the state as a destination for the proposed film city.

Adityanath met personalities from Bollywood. He discussed UP's potential for film production and discussed with the personalities how the state government was providing facilities to film producers.

His government has allocated 1,000 acres for a new film city in Noida.

This report mentions that Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said ahead of Adtyanath's visit that he will not let anybody "forcibly'' take business away from the state.

Voices against Adityanath gained pitch in Mumbai.

This report says:

Adityanath reportedly has responded to fears from political opponents that he was in Mumbai to take away the film industry of Mumbai to Uttar Pradesh.

Adityanath said that there is an "open competition" between states. He added that and those who can provide better facilities will win investments.

PTI has quoted him as saying: "We are not snatching or hindering anyone's investments. No one can take anything along. It is not like a purse which gets taken away. This is an open competition. One who can give a safe atmosphere, better facilities — and especially social security — in which one can work without discrimination will get investments."

The war of words between leaders from the two governments has seen UP minister Mohsin Raza taking the forefront. He made serious accusations.

Raza said: "Many film producers, directors, and actors want to leave Mumbai and shift base to UP but they are being threatened by the underworld at the behest of Shiv Sena and NCP.''

The UP minister for minority welfare added that UP was home to "many national cultural treasures"; and that it was the right place for filmmaking.

Raza is Minister of State, Minority Welfare, Muslim Waqf and Hajj and Minister in charge of Amethi.

During Adityanath's Mumbai visit, which is expected to have a positive impact on UP's move towards providing the film fraternity a destination in the state, Raza has made some sharp statements.

He is quoted as saying: "...we do not want to snatch anything from anyone...there is no reason for the Maharashtra government to be worried...''

He added that the Maharashtra government had been 'rattled' by the warm reception for Adityanath by personalities from Bollywood.

For now, Raza seems to be defending UP's claim to "open competition" as well as taking a piercing tone on comments from BJP's opponents.