Uttar Pradesh mourns the death of Samajwadi Party stalwart and five-time MLA from Nizamabad Assembly constituency in Azamgarh district
LUCKNOW — Senior Samajwadi Party leader and five-time MLA from Nizamabad in Azamgarh district, Alam Badi Azmi, passed away on Wednesday night after a prolonged illness. He was 90.
Azmi had been undergoing treatment for several months and breathed his last late at night after his health deteriorated. He is survived by his family and a large circle of supporters and admirers in Azamgarh.
A veteran known for his simplicity, integrity and deep connect with the masses, Azmi was widely mourned across Uttar Pradesh. Political leaders cutting across party lines described his passing as an irreparable loss to purposeful politics.
Long Political Career
Born on March 16, 1936, in Azamgarh district, Alam Badi Azmi completed his education at Islamia College, Gorakhpur, and later studied mechanical engineering. He briefly worked as an engineer before entering public life, inspired by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and Subhas Chandra Bose.
He was first elected to the Uttar Pradesh Assembly in 1996 on a Samajwadi Party ticket and went on to represent the Nizamabad constituency five times. He was regarded as one of the closest associates of late SP founder Mulayam Singh Yadav.
One of the defining moments of his career came in 2012 when, despite being offered a ministerial berth after the Samajwadi Party formed the government in the state, he declined it, saying he preferred to remain among the people of his constituency and serve them directly. For him, politics was a means of public service, not personal gain.
Alam Badi Azmi earned immense respect for his modest lifestyle and clean public image. Even after decades in office, he used a basic keypad mobile phone, wore simple clothes made from fabric produced at the Tanda textile mill and avoided any display of luxury.
Visitors to his home were welcomed with simple hospitality. He remained easily accessible, often meeting residents outside his house to listen to their problems.
His honesty became part of political folklore in Purvanchal. During the 1996 Assembly elections, he reportedly returned Rs 5 lakh given by Mulayam Singh Yadav for election expenses, saying he did not need the money to contest.
Condolences Pour In
Leading the tributes, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav said he was deeply saddened by the demise of the veteran leader.
“Extremely saddened by the demise of senior Samajwadi Party leader and popular MLA from Azamgarh’s Nizamabad Assembly constituency, Janab Alam Badi Sahab. May God grant peace to the departed soul and give strength to the bereaved family to bear this immense loss. Heartfelt tributes,” Yadav said in a post on X.
In her tributes to the departed leader, Iqra Hasan, SP MP from Kirana, said his departure is a great loss for the community, society, and politics. “His services and dedication will always be remembered,” she said.
https://x.com/IqraMunawwar_/status/2080095250673291419
Other senior SP leaders, party workers, and leaders from other parties, as well as social organisations and prominent citizens from Azamgarh, also condoled his death, recalling his transparency, secular outlook and lifelong dedication to public welfare.
His last rites will be performed in his native place in Azamgarh with full honours.
