Big setback for Raza Murad, veteran actor dropped as brand ambassador of Bhopal civic body a day after his appointment

Raza Murad who was recently appointed as the brand ambassador of Bhopal Municipal Corporation's 'Swachhata Abhiyan' has been removed from the post 24 hrs after his appointment. According to reports, the decision was taken on the order of Madhya Pradesh Urban Development Minister Bhupendra Singh. The minister wrote a letter to the Bhopal civic chief saying that Murad should be dropped as brand ambassador as his contribution in the field of cleanliness was not known. His letter read, ‘A brand ambassador should be such a person who has contributed in a major way in the field of cleanliness or who is well-versed with Bhopal's culture. Therefore, the order in this regard should be canceled with immediate effect. Instead, nominate a prestigious person/institution who has made noted contributions in the field of cleanliness’. Reacting to his removal, Raza Murad told a news agency, 'No one can be a bigger Bhopali than me as my mother, wife and many other members of the family belong to Bhopal. I did my schooling from the Cambridge School here. I am well versed with the city, its roads, its typical language, its tea, paan and gutkha, so the charge that I don't know the culture of the city holds no ground.' He added, 'Secondly, the minister also said the brand ambassador should be such a person who has done a commendable job in 'swachhata'. But, when you do not give me an opportunity to prove (my credentials in the field), then how can you decide I have not done anything'. Murad said that he had already started the work within 24 hours of his appointment. 'If the minister doesn't want my services, so be it, as they (powers that be) are maalik (all powerful),' he added. Reportedly, Congress spokesperson KK Mishra said Raza Murad was removed as he was Muslim. Some Twitter users agreed with his statement.