News Analysis India

Tag: Eastern UP

  • Will Gangster-Politician Mukhtar Ansari’s Death Impact Upcoming Elections In Eastern UP? |

    NEW DELHI: Gangster-politician Mukhtar Ansari’s political journey is intricately intertwined with the socio-political fabric of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, where his influence extended far beyond his criminal background. From his emergence as a gangster to his transformation into a powerful political figure, Ansari’s legacy leaves a significant imprint on the region’s political landscape.

    Early Life And Criminal Beginnings

    Born into a politically influential family, Ansari’s foray into crime began in the 1980s and 1990s when he established himself among government contract mafias in Uttar Pradesh. His criminal activities, ranging from extortion to murder, earned him notoriety in the region. Despite facing numerous criminal charges, Ansari’s political ambitions remained undeterred.

    Foray Into Politics: From Gangster To Legislator

    Ansari’s transition from gangster to politician marked a pivotal moment in his life. He capitalized on his criminal network to build a formidable political base, eventually winning elections on the tickets of various political parties. His ability to secure electoral victories, even from behind bars, underscored his enduring influence and the complexities of Uttar Pradesh’s political landscape.

    Dominance In Eastern UP

    Ansari’s political dynasty, encompassing multiple generations, wielded considerable influence in Eastern Uttar Pradesh. Constituencies like Mau and Ghazipur emerged as electoral fortresses for the Ansari family, with Mukhtar and his relatives consistently winning elections by significant margins. Their stronghold over local politics reflected a blend of power, patronage, and legacy.

    Despite his criminal background, Ansari enjoyed widespread support among certain sections of the population, particularly among Muslims and Dalits. Many locals viewed him as a Robin Hood-like figure, attributing his popularity to his perceived assistance to the underprivileged. His ability to provide financial aid for medical treatment, weddings, and other necessities cemented his support base in the region.

    Impact On Eastern UP: Socio-Political Dynamics And Governance

    Ansari’s influence extended beyond electoral politics, shaping the socio-political dynamics of Eastern Uttar Pradesh. His patronage networks, coupled with his ability to mobilize voters, played a crucial role in determining electoral outcomes and influencing governance priorities. However, his dominance also led to allegations of corruption, nepotism, and criminalization of politics.

    Controversies: Legal Battles And Allegations

    Throughout his political career, Ansari faced numerous legal battles and controversies. From allegations of criminal intimidation to charges of corruption, his tenure was marred by accusations of wrongdoing. However, his ability to navigate these challenges and maintain his political relevance speaks to the complexities of power dynamics in Uttar Pradesh.

    Post-Ansari Era In Eastern UP

    With Mukhtar Ansari’s demise, Eastern Uttar Pradesh finds itself at a crossroads, grappling with the aftermath of his political legacy. The void left by his absence raises questions about the future trajectory of the region’s politics and the emergence of new power brokers. As parties vie for control in the upcoming elections, the impact of Ansari’s legacy continues to reverberate through the corridors of power in Eastern Uttar Pradesh.

    Mukhtar Ansari’s political journey, characterized by a blend of criminality and electoral success, remains a subject of fascination and debate in Uttar Pradesh. His impact on Eastern Uttar Pradesh, both as a gangster and a politician, underscores the intricate interplay between power, patronage, and populism in the region’s politics. As the region navigates the post-Ansari era, the legacy of one of its most enigmatic figures will continue to shape its political landscape for years to come.

  • In UP, women give mud bath to BJP MLA to please rain god

    Express News Service

    LUCKNOW: With monsoon playing truant in entire eastern Uttar Pradesh, leaving the region parched and people sweating, the women of Maharajganj, a district adjoining Gorakhpur, performed a unique ritual by giving mud bath to the local BJP MLA and Municipal Council chief with mud to woo Indra Dev (Rain God) on Tuesday night.

    As per the local sources, the women approached BJP MLA Jai Mangal Kanaujiya and Municipal Council chairman Krishna Gopal Jaiswal urging them to be a part of the ritual by letting the women folk to soak them in mud to which both Kanuajiya and Jaiswal agreed.

    Interestingly, it is believed in this region that if the elite and respected persons of the area were bathed in mud, the Rain God gets pleased and blesses the people with rainfall. After drenching the duo with mud, the women sang folk songs to please Indra Dev (Rain God).

    The people of eastern UP are worried about the paddy crop which is getting badly hit due to deficient rainfall in the region.

    “People are suffering in sultry weather, crops are getting dried. This is a ritual based on an old belief so we decided to be a part of it if it helps in any way,” said the BJP MLA.

    The monsoon, which had entered UP from Sonbhadra on June 29, became weak leading to around 65 per cent less rainfall in state. So far, UP has received only 35.08 per cent of the total expected rainfall in July. Around 48 districts of the state are facing drought like situation with 40 per cent less rainfall. 

    Around 20 districts have received 40-60 per cent rainfall impacting the sowing of Kharif crops and paddy plantation in the state, said a senior official of the Agriculture department. So far only 28 per cent sowing of Kharif crop has taken place.

    As per the weathermen, UP has so far received only 69.8 mm of rainfall against 194.7 mm expected normally in this period. 

    As per the officials of Agriculture department, approximately 30 per cent paddy saplings have dried due to deficient rains in most of the districts. Farmers are facing challenge in sowing maize and pulses due to paucity of water.