Appeasement Politics: Mukhtar Ansari – ‘Mafia’ for commoners, ‘Shaheed’ for Congress, SP, RJD, BSP, AIMIM and others

Convicted Gangster Mukhtar Ansari died of cardiac arrest in Basti Medical College on March 28. Ansari had been elected as MLA from the Mau constituency five times, including twice as a Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) candidate. He was the relative of former Vice-President Mohammad Hamid Ansari.

Ansari was convicted and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment in April 2023 for the murder of BJP MLA Krishnanand Rai by an MP MLA court. He was sentenced to life in prison on March 13, 2024, in connection with a fake arms license case. There were over 60 criminal cases against him, and the news of his demise served as justice for many who lost their kin whereas many called Anasri “Massiha” and “Shaheed.”

A video of Ansari’s “Supporters” went viral on social media where they raised slogans like ‘Mukhtar Ansari Zindabad’ and celebrate him as a “Shaheed” outside his residence.

Following the news of his demise, a range of responses surfaced from diverse factions. The Samajwadi Party, Islamists, and liberal voices on social media expressed grief over his passing. Conversely, the Congress, BSP leader Mayawati, and the deceased gangster’s relatives called for an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the criminal’s death.

From its official X handle, the Samajwadi Party posted, “Sad demise of former MLA Shri Mukhtar Ansari. May his soul rest in peace. May the bereaved family members get the strength to bear this immense sorrow. Humble tribute!”

Akhilesh Yadav, the leader of the Samajwadi Party, penned a detailed statement condemning the Uttar Pradesh government for the demise of Ansari and urged for a thorough investigation. He likened the fatalities of individuals involved in encounters or during legal proceedings as instances of ‘anarchy’.

He said, “We stand with the family of Mukhtar Ansari. Recently he said that he could be murdered anytime, Why he was not given a proper medical facility…We will demand a thorough investigation of the incident.”

Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav posted, “Sad news was received about the demise of former UP MLA Shri Mukhtar Ansari. We pray to God to grant peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family to bear the loss. A few days ago he had complained that he had been poisoned in jail, yet it was not taken seriously. Prima facie this does not seem justifiable and humane. Constitutional institutions should take suo motu cognizance of such strange cases and incidents.”

AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi posted from his X handle, “I pray to Allah to forgive Mukhtar Ansari and give patience to his family and his loved ones. The people of Ghazipur lost their favourite son and brother. Mukhtar Saheb had made serious allegations against the administration that he was poisoned. Despite this, the government did not pay any attention to his treatment. Condemnable and regrettable.”

Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati posted from her X handle, “The persistent apprehensions and serious allegations made by Mukhtar Ansari’s family regarding his death in jail require a high-level investigation so that the facts of his death can be revealed. In such a situation, it is natural for his family to be sad. May nature give them the strength to bear this sorrow.”

Former Bihar MP Pappu Yadav, who has now joined the Congress party posted from his X handle, “This is institutional murder of ormer MLA Mukhtar Ansari. It is like burying law, constitution, natural justice.”

Congress leader Surendra Rajput from Lucknow said, “How accused Mukhtar Ansari died in jail raises serious questions on the BJP government of Uttar Pradesh… There should be a high-level investigation into this incident and this investigation should be conducted under the supervision of a high court judge.”

Mukhtar Ansari, once synonymous with terror in Uttar Pradesh, amassed a criminal empire through murder and ransom. His notoriety extended beyond Purvanchal to the entirety of North India. However, since Yogi Adityanath assumed office as Chief Minister, Ansari’s criminal empire faced significant setbacks. From his origins in the crime-ridden 70s and 80s, Ansari ascended to political prominence, serving as an MLA from Mau multiple times. His involvement in various criminal activities, including the Sachchidanand Rai murder case in 1988, marked the beginning of his criminal notoriety. Despite initial legal skirmishes, Ansari transitioned into politics, utilising his criminal connections and exploiting communal tensions to consolidate power.

However, his reign of terror was challenged by figures like Yogi Adityanath, who confronted Ansari’s criminal activities and extremist ideologies. Ansari’s downfall accelerated under the Yogi government, with numerous criminal charges, property confiscations, and legal actions. Celebration of his terror not only by his supporters and political parties raises alarming questions and concerns.