Mukhtar Ansari age, early life, political journey, Biography
Mukhtar Ansari, a prominent figure in Uttar Pradesh’s political and criminal landscape, was born on June 3, 1963, in Mohammadabad, Ghazipur district, as the youngest of three brothers. He was the son of Subhanullah Ansari and Begum Rabia. Ansari passed away at the age of 60 due to cardiac arrest on March 28, 2024, at Banda jail. However, his family alleged foul play, claiming poisoning as the cause of death.
Early Life and Lineage
Mukhtar Ansari hailed from a prestigious lineage. His grandfather, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Ansari, was an early president of the Indian National Congress (INC) and one of the founders of Jamia Millia Islamia University. Dr. Ansari shared close ties with Mahatma Gandhi. On his maternal side, Ansari’s grandfather, Brigadier Usman, was a celebrated Mahavir Chakra recipient. Despite this illustrious heritage, Mukhtar Ansari’s life took a different path, intertwining politics with crime.
Political and Criminal Rise
Ansari’s political journey began amidst the rise of criminal activities in Purvanchal during the 1990s. His initial influence stemmed from alliances with local power figures like Makhnu Singh. Over time, his notoriety grew, with allegations linking him to multiple criminal activities, including high-profile murders.
One of the most infamous cases associated with Mukhtar Ansari was the 2005 murder of Krishnanand Rai, a political rival. Despite these allegations, Ansari managed to maintain a successful political career, serving as a five-time MLA from the Mau Assembly seat. His influence spread across Varanasi, Ghazipur, Ballia, Jaunpur, and Mau, cementing his position as a key player in Purvanchal politics.
Political Affiliations
Over the years, Mukhtar Ansari’s political affiliations shifted frequently:
- Initially associated with the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), he won his first assembly seat in 1996.
- In 2007, he rejoined the BSP but was expelled by Mayawati in 2010 due to his criminal background.
- He founded the Qaumi Ekta Dal (QED) in 2012, later merging it with the Samajwadi Party in 2016.
- In 2017, he contested and won elections as a Samajwadi Party candidate.
In 2022, Ansari vacated his Mau Assembly seat for his son, Abbas Ansari, who contested on the ticket of the Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP).
Legal Challenges and Crackdown
Ansari’s political career was frequently overshadowed by legal battles. His alleged involvement in organized crime led to numerous charges, including the Awadhesh Rai murder case, for which he was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2023.
Under Yogi Adityanath’s government, a significant crackdown on Ansari’s activities ensued. The Income Tax Department launched Operation Panther, seizing illicit assets worth over ₹500 crore.
Death and Controversy
Mukhtar Ansari passed away on March 28, 2024, in Banda jail, with the official cause of death declared as cardiac arrest. His family, however, suspected foul play and alleged poisoning.
Personal Life
- Full Name: Mukhtar Ansari
- Date of Birth: June 3, 1963
- Date of Death: March 28, 2024 (Age 60)
- Place of Birth: Mohammadabad, Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh
- Religion: Islam (Sunni – Ansari)
- Father’s Name: Subhanullah Ansari
- Mother’s Name: Begum Rabia
- Spouse: Afshan Ansari
- Children: Two sons
- Education: BA from Ghazipur College Rambadh in 1984
- Profession: Politician and Gangster
Net Worth and Assets
- Net Worth: ₹14.97 crore
- Assets: ₹21.89 crore
- Liabilities: ₹6.91 crore
Political Timeline
- 1996: Won his first assembly election from Mau on a BSP ticket.
- 2002: Retained his seat as an Independent candidate.
- 2007: Won again as an Independent and later rejoined the BSP.
- 2009: Contested Lok Sabha elections from Varanasi but lost.
- 2010: Expelled from BSP by Mayawati.
- 2012: Founded Qaumi Ekta Dal and won the Mau seat.
- 2016: Merged Qaumi Ekta Dal with Samajwadi Party.
- 2017: Won Mau Assembly seat on a Samajwadi Party ticket.
- 2022: Vacated Mau seat for his son, Abbas Ansari.
FAQs on Mukhtar Ansari
1. How did Mukhtar Ansari die?
Mukhtar Ansari died of cardiac arrest, although his family alleged foul play.
2. Where did Mukhtar Ansari pass away?
He passed away in Banda jail, Uttar Pradesh.
3. When did Mukhtar Ansari pass away?
He passed away on March 28, 2024.
4. Where was Mukhtar Ansari born?
He was born in Mohammadabad, Ghazipur district, Uttar Pradesh.
