Achi news desk-
The custodial death of ‘don’ Mukhtar Ansari has cast a shadow that is likely to affect election results in several constituencies in Purvanchal or eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Ansari had been in prison for the past 20 years and was still a formidable political force, having won five elections in his lifetime – two of them from behind bars, as an independent candidate.
Hailing from an influential political family in the region, Ansari was also accused in several murder cases – most or many of them warring with other donors – and had expressed concern that he was being slowly poisoned in the prison. Her pleas were ignored. He succumbed to cardiac arrest shortly after being taken to hospital.
Ansari’s influence and popularity became evident when thousands of people ignored prohibitory orders to attend his funeral. However, even after his burial, his life and death will be electoral issues in constituencies like Mau, Azamgarh and Ambedkar Nagar, apart from Ghosi, Lalganj and Ghazipur.
Sympathy and support for him is not limited to the Muslims; it attracted members of Dalit and backward communities and the poor of the region as well. Meanwhile, the BJP has been mobilizing the voters of the capital, especially Brahmins and Bhumihars, on the issue.
