By Special Correspondent
“My family has endured immense suffering,” says Umar Mukhtar Ansari to a small crowd while campaigning for his uncle, Afzal Ansari, the incumbent MP from Ghazipur. “My father was poisoned to death. My mother, whose face had never been seen by anyone outside our family, was falsely implicated in 16 cases, including a ridiculous charge of stealing a 500-rupee board. My elder brother has been in jail for the last two years on false charges, and my uncle Afzal Ansari was also implicated in false cases.”
Afzal Ansari is contesting this election on the Samajwadi Party (SP) ticket from the same constituency he currently represents. “We have 12 freedom fighters in our family,” Umar continued. “During the freedom movement, Gandhi Ji told our great-grandfather, the late Mukhtar Ahmad Ansari, that they did not have an office. In response, Mukhtar Ahmad Ansari donated his Kothi in Daryaganj, New Delhi, which became the first office of the Congress party. Our great-granduncle, Brigadier Usman, was offered the position of Chief of Army Staff for Pakistan by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, but he rejected the offer, choosing to stay in India. He was martyred in July 1948 while fighting Pakistani soldiers and militia in Jammu and Kashmir and was later awarded the Maha Vir Chakra, the second-highest Indian military medal for gallantry.”
Umar emphasized the family’s longstanding commitment to helping the poor and oppressed, regardless of caste or creed. “We always help those in need without asking about their background,” he said.
Umar Mukhtar Ansari is addressing 10-12 small public meetings daily in remote areas to ensure his uncle wins the election with a significant margin. The public support for Umar is strong, with many in Ghazipur believing that his father, the late Mukhtar Ansari, was poisoned by the ruling dispensation. This sympathy for the Ansari family is palpable throughout the constituency.
In Ghazipur, the BJP has nominated Parasnath Rai, known to be close to Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Afzal Ansari, brother of the late Mukhtar Ansari, is contesting on the SP ticket. In 2019, Afzal Ansari defeated senior BJP leader and incumbent MP Manoj Sinha by over 1.19 lakh votes. Umesh Kumar Singh represents the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in this constituency.
Mukhtar Ansari remains a significant figure in the electoral battle in Purvanchal, especially in the Ghazipur Lok Sabha constituency, even after his death. The people view him as a messiah. Mukhtar died of food poisoning in April, but many in Ghazipur believe he was deliberately poisoned.
“Even if Modi contests in Ghazipur, people won’t leave my side,” says Afzal Ansari. “That’s not because people are scared of us; it’s because they love us.”
The legacy of the Ansari family is deeply rooted in Ghazipur. The late Mukhtar Ansari was not just a politician but a symbol of resistance and hope for many. His tragic death has only intensified the loyalty and support from the people. Afzal Ansari’s campaign is not merely about winning an election but about continuing the legacy of his family, which has been at the forefront of social and political struggles for decades.
The Ansari family’s contributions to India’s freedom movement and their unwavering commitment to social justice resonate deeply with the people of Ghazipur. The story of their ancestors, like Mukhtar Ahmad Ansari and Brigadier Usman, serves as a testament to their dedication to the nation. This historical legacy is a powerful motivator for the electorate, who see the Ansaris not just as politicians but as torchbearers of a long-standing tradition of service and sacrifice.
Afzal Ansari’s previous victory against a strong BJP candidate like Manoj Sinha is a testament to the deep-rooted support for the Ansari family in Ghazipur. The current election campaign is infused with the same spirit of resilience and determination. Despite the formidable challenge posed by Parasnath Rai of the BJP and Umesh Kumar Singh of the BSP, Afzal Ansari remains confident, buoyed by the unwavering support of the people.
Umar Mukhtar Ansari’s vigorous campaign efforts, addressing multiple public meetings daily, reflect the family’s dedication to connecting with the grassroots. His speeches, laden with personal anecdotes of suffering and resilience, strike a chord with the electorate. The narrative of injustice faced by the Ansari family under the current regime has created a groundswell of support, making Afzal Ansari a formidable contender.
In this election, the battle for Ghazipur is not just a political contest but a fight for justice and recognition of the sacrifices made by the Ansari family. The electorate’s response indicates a desire for change and a rejection of the perceived injustices inflicted upon the Ansaris. This wave of sympathy and support could very well propel Afzal Ansari to another victory, reaffirming the enduring legacy of the Ansari family in Ghazipur.
Not only in Ghazipur, but the BJP will lose 5-6 seats in Purvanchal due to the sympathy wave generated after the death of Mukhtar Ansari,” said a tea seller outside Dildar Nagar railway station, the first person this reporter spoke to. His predictions seem likely to be true after touring the constituency.