It’s official now. Don-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari’s party Quami Ekta Dal (QED) has merged with the ruling Samajwadi Party.
What is more, jailed in connection with the murder of BJP MlA Krishnanad Rai, Mukhtar Ansari will contest the 2017 Assembly polls as Samajwadi Party candidate.
This was announced by QED president Afzal Ansari in lucknow on Saturday after meeting SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and State SP chief Shivpal Yadav. Afzal is the elder brother of Mukhtar Ansari.
Earlier, on Thursday, State SP chief Shivpal Yadav had announced that the merger with QED was approved by party chief Mukayam Singh Yadav and Akhilesh had no problems with it now.
On June 21, the SP had announced the merger of QED with itself but then, Mukhtar Ansari was not part of the deal and was not to be an official SP candidate. However, the process was undone largely at the behest of Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav who stood firm on cleansing his party's image.
But after Saturday's development, SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav is set to make the merger visible and viable among masses and will hence address rallies in Ghazipur and Mau districts of east UP. Both are the stronghold of Ansari brothers and Mukhtar Ansari is at present the Independent MlA from Mau Assembly seat.
Talking to the media at the SP State office on Saturday, Afzal Ansari, said, “I am the new soldier of Samajwadi Party and will work as per the direction of party Chief Mulayam Singh Yadav.’’
A former SP MP from Ghazipur, Afzal said, "The decision of merger was finalised by both the parties several months back. Initially, there were some obstacles but those issues have been sorted out now.’’
On second thoughts, Ansari added, "All and sundry in the Samajwadi Party have supported the merger. You can also ask Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav about the merger and he too has accepted it.’’
“We are happy that at last the merger has been actualised. We all have faith and respect for Netaji and Shivpalji. Mokhtar could also contest the Assembly polls on a SP ticket if the party deems fit,’’ said Afzal Ansari.