In a candid media interaction in Mumbai, Samajwadi Party veteran Abu Azmi pulled no punches against what he sees as electoral foul play. On February 28, he demanded the Election Commission uphold its duty by executing Special Intensive Revision transparently and conducting unbiased corporation elections.
Recent municipal polls exposed deep flaws, according to Azmi. Voters in his locality found their names missing at booths despite being registered. ‘This is collusion to shrink non-BJP voter bases and maintain BJP’s image,’ he charged. While admitting the need to fix duplicate entries, he warned against partisan deletions.
Turning to matrimonial laws, Azmi critiqued Gujarat’s parental approval mandate for weddings. ‘Post-18, individuals have constitutional rights to choose partners. Yet parents worry over spiking interfaith marriages and divorces.’ He advocated dialogue over draconian rules.
Holi greetings came with a message of brotherhood. ‘Play colors joyfully, not to provoke. Festivals like Holi and Diwali should bind us, not divide.’
Azmi’s take on Kejriwal’s release was pragmatic. ‘Congratulations on getting out, but drop the smears. Congress leaders faced jail too. Real unity against divisive powers is needed to protect our democracy.’
Pushing for Ramzan relief, Azmi noted his repeated letters to the CM for half-day offs for fasting staff, emulating southern states. ‘Government hears but delays action.’
Law enforcement failures topped his concerns. ‘Fear of crime is vanishing amid brazen killings, like little Shifa’s murder in Mankhurd-Shivajinagar.’ Demanding expanded policing, new outposts, and tough measures, Azmi vowed to press these in the assembly.