Akhilesh Yadav is a hero, I am just a worker: Afzal Ansari

Although UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav opposed Quami Ekta Dal’s merger with the SP, its erstwhile leader Afzal Ansari, who has influence over 25 assembly seats in eastern UP, termed the CM as the hero of the forthcoming electoral battle. “He is our bridegroom and I am now a dedicated worker of the party,” Ansari told Sanjay Singh in an interview. Excerpts:

What will your role be in SP?
What happens if a river flows into the sea? I am now a committed worker of the SP. I do not know what responsibility Netaji (as Mulayam Singh is referred to) will assign to me. My duty is to ensure that votes of poor people and Muslims remains with the party. I will use my three decades’ political experience to ensure poor people’s votes in my area are not divided.

What is your message to CM Akhilesh Yadav?
He is my leader. Is chunavi samar ka hero hai. He is our bridegroom. We are part of ‘baraat’ I am an SP worker and will do everything for SP’s return to power in the state.

Why did you merge your party with SP?
BJP has been eyeing small outfits for electoral alliance. Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party, headed by Om Prakash Rajbhar, has entered into alliance with BJP. BJP also inducted Apna Dal leader Anupriya Patel in the Union Cabinet. So, we also decided to merge with SP to stop possible division of secular votes in our region. QED’s merger with SP is giving sleepless nights to the BJP. Visit our area and you will find the people very happy with the merger.

Will you share the dais with the CM during campaigning?
I am a simple party worker. He is my leader.

What role is in store for Mau MLA Mukhtar Ansari, your brother?
His role will be similar to mine. Mukhtar is currently in jail but his message will be delivered to our supporters in different areas. QED’s merger with SP will have a big political effect in eastern UP.

What did you discuss with SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav?
I won’t disclose anything about our strategy for the coming assembly elections. That is not meant for public consumption. Netaji has agreed to address a meeting at Mohammedabad next month.