The court decision brings relief to supporters and strengthens Ansari family’s political standing in eastern Uttar Pradesh
LUCKNOW – The Uttar Pradesh Assembly membership of Abbas Ansari, the elder son of Mau strongman Mukhtar Ansari, has been restored.
After the Allahabad High Court stayed his two-year jail sentence in a hate speech case, the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly Secretariat, on Monday, issued an order restoring Samajwadi Party leader Abbas Ansari’s membership.
After this decision, there will be no need for a by-election on the Mau Sadar Assembly seat.
The Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly Secretariat clarified in its order that in accordance with the instructions of the high court, the membership of Abbas Ansari is restored with immediate effect.
Principal Secretary of the Legislative Assembly, Pradeep Kumar Dubey, issued an order for restoration of membership of Abbas Ansari.
Speaking after the order, a supporter in Mau expressed his joy: “This is not just a legal victory for Abbas bhai, it is a matter of dignity for the entire Muslim community of Purvanchal. The court has stopped the conspiracy against him.”
The decision is expected to strengthen the Ansari family’s political influence in eastern Uttar Pradesh. Known for its dominance in Mau and Ghazipur, the family’s political presence has long been a point of tension with rivals. Observers say the reinstatement will give Abbas an edge in upcoming assembly contests.
A senior local leader in Ghazipur remarked: “The opponents thought they had finished the Ansari family politically. But today’s order proves that truth has prevailed. This will give Muslims here renewed strength to stand against injustice.”
Amidst this legal relief, Abbas Ansari also made headlines during his appearance in Ghazipur CJM court in connection with a separate land-grabbing case. Dressed in long hair, designer sunglasses, a colourful shirt and jeans, Abbas greeted his supporters with a salute reminiscent of his father, Mukhtar Ansari. He even twirled his moustache, sparking conversation among onlookers.
Many of his supporters viewed this as symbolic. “When Abbas bhai saluted us, it was like seeing Mukhtar Sahab again. For us, it was a sign that the family’s fight will continue,” said another supporter outside the court.
The court appearance related to a case filed by businessman Abu Fakhar Khan, who alleged that in 2012, Abbas Ansari, his mother Afsha, and relatives pressured him into transferring land worth crores at a fraction of its value. Abu Fakhar claims he was threatened while Mukhtar Ansari was in Lucknow jail.
According to the FIR lodged in August 2023, land near the Homeopathic College was registered in Abbas’s name for only Rs 25 lakh, despite it being worth many times more. Fakhar alleged that a cheque of Rs 20.50 lakh and Rs 4.50 lakh in cash were used for the transaction under coercion.
The case names Abbas Ansari, Anwar Shahzada, Atif alias Sharjeel Raza, and Afroz as accused under Sections 346, 342, 420, and 120-B of the IPC. The next hearing is scheduled for 24 September.
For Abbas’s supporters, the high court’s decision has overshadowed the land case for now. Many Muslims in the region view the legal action against him as politically motivated. “Cases have always been used as a weapon to weaken Muslim leaders,” said a local teacher in Mau. “But every time, the Ansaris have come back stronger.”
Meanwhile, rivals are watching closely. Political analysts say that with his membership restored, Abbas Ansari is likely to re-emerge as a central figure in Purvanchal’s politics, which could unsettle opposition strategies.
The reinstatement not only saves Abbas Ansari’s political career but also ensures that the Ansari family remains a force in Uttar Pradesh politics. His ability to return to legislative duties has raised hopes among his community.
As one elderly supporter in Mau put it simply: “We were afraid that Abbas Bhai would be finished. But Allah is just, and the court has given him back his seat. This is a new beginning.”
