The Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Sunday declared the MLC seat of Abbas Ansari, the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) MLA from Mau, as vacant following his conviction in a 2022 hate speech case. The Secretariat was opened on a weekly holiday to issue the vacancy notification, which has now been sent to the Election Commission for bypoll proceedings.
Ansari, a first-time legislator and son of jailed politician Mukhtar Ansari, was sentenced to two years in prison under multiple sections, including Model Code of Conduct violations. The decision comes after the CJM court in Mau, presided over by Dr. K.P. Singh, pronounced the verdict on Saturday. A fine of ₹11,000 was also imposed.
Observers have pointed to the swiftness of administrative action even on a Sunday is sign of the state government's eagerness to politically isolate the Ansari family. Despite his legal troubles, Abbas Ansari has maintained consistent voter support and emerged as a prominent voice in his constituency.
His co-accused, Mansoor Ansari, received a six month sentence and a fine under IPC Section 120B.
The by election for the Mau seat is now expected to become a focal point, especially amid concerns about selective enforcement and political overreach by the ruling dispensation.
