Sitting Samajwadi Party MLA Nawab Iqbal Mahmood targets Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over the Shankaracharya episode and the UGC dispute
NEW DELHI – Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh is fast turning into a centre of political activity after the president of Shahi Jama Masjid, Zafar Ali, announced his plan to contest the 2027 assembly elections. Posters declaring his intent have appeared in several parts of the town, drawing attention from political parties and residents alike.
Zafar Ali, who is out on bail in connection with the Sambhal violence case, said the allegations against him would not affect his political future. He said he has legal relief from the high court and sees no reason to step back from public life.
“I have already made it clear many times that I will contest the next assembly elections,” Zafar Ali said. “No party has formally offered me a ticket yet, but I will fight the election at any cost. The people of Sambhal are with me, and that support gives me strength.”
Speaking on the violence case, he said, “The matter is in court and I have relief from the high court. The charges are false. This will not stop me from serving the people or taking part in politics.”
The developments come at a time when Muslim leaders in the region say they face constant scrutiny and pressure, even when cases are sub judice. Supporters of Zafar Ali say his move reflects growing political awareness among local Muslims and their wish to raise issues through democratic means.
At the same time, Samajwadi Party MLA from Sambhal, Nawab Iqbal Mahmood, made strong remarks on Tuesday, taking aim at the state government over recent controversies. Referring to the Shankaracharya episode and the UGC matter, he questioned the direction in which the state is heading.
“Till now, it was believed that the chief minister was targeting only Muslims,” Nawab Iqbal Mahmood said. “Now even a respected saint like the Shankaracharya is not spared. This raises serious questions about where the country is being taken.”
He added that leaders must act as representatives of all communities. “A chief minister should be a leader for everyone, not just for a select few,” he said.
With posters up, statements flying, and elections still two years away, Sambhal is already witnessing early signs of a charged political contest, with Muslim leaders asserting their place in the democratic process and calling for fairness, equal treatment, and respect under the law.
