Mukhtar Ansari floats new political outfit

MAU - Four months after being expelled from Uttar Pradesh’s ruling Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), jailed mafia don-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari Sunday announced the formation of a new political outfit, the Qaumi Ekta Dal.

Since Ansari is in Ghazipur jail after his arrest in Bharatiya Janata Party leader Krishnanand Rai’s murder case, the formal announcement was made at a meeting of Ansari’s supporters in Mau town by his cousin and Independent legislator Sibtainullah Ansari, who had earlier extended support to the ruling BSP.

The new outfit will be headed by Mukhtar’s close confidante Mujahid, while his other close aide Rajendra Singh was named general secretary.

Besides a 110-member national executive of the party was also announced.

Both Mukhtar and his brother and former MP Afzal Ansari have refrained from occupying any party post.

“The new party’s main thrust will remain on communal amity and carving out of Purvanchal state out of the eastern parts of the state,” Sibtainullah said.

He went on to add: “Our objective will also be not only ensure that (Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister) Mayawati does not become chief minister again, but to also see that her dream to rise to the prime minister’s chair is also never fulfilled.”