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Inside Muhammadabad: The Ansari Legacy and the Shadow of Controversy

Kalyani Jha
29 Mar, 2024

Nestled about 100 kilometres from Varanasi along National Highway-31 lies Muhammadabad, a town in Ghazipur district, Uttar Pradesh. While this bustling town of 40,000 residents may not be widely known outside its confines, it holds significance as the gateway to the Purvanchal Expressway, linking Ghazipur to Lucknow. However, Muhammadabad’s fame transcends its infrastructure; it is primarily recognized for ‘Phatak’ – the sprawling abode of the Ansari family, notably the late gangster-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari, who recently passed away from a cardiac arrest.

Phatak: A Symbol of Legacy and Contradictions

‘Phatak’ stands as a symbol of the Ansari family’s legacy, entwined with both prominence and controversy. During a visit to ‘Phatak,’ an encounter with the family unfolded layers of contrasting narratives.

Illustrious Heritage and Political Connections

The walls of ‘Phatak’ are adorned with photographs, capturing generations of Ansaris alongside notable political figures like Akhilesh Yadav, Mulayam Singh Yadav, and Mayawati. The family’s lineage boasts luminaries such as Dr Mukhtar Ahmed Ansari, a freedom fighter and former Congress party president, and Brigadier Mohammad Usman Ansari, revered as the ‘Lion of Nowshera’ and a recipient of the Mahavir Chakra. The family’s political affiliations have elicited condolences from leaders of the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) following Mukhtar’s demise.

A Complex Narrative: Charity and Allegations

Despite their charitable endeavors, the Ansaris’ legacy intertwines with a history of criminal allegations. Mukhtar Ansari, alongside his brother Afzal Ansari, Member of Parliament from Ghazipur, and other family members, has faced numerous criminal charges. The family’s involvement in criminal cases, with over 97 cases lodged against them according to UP police records, juxtaposes their political stature.

Muhammadabad’s Resilience and Ongoing Challenges

Afzal Ansari’s dismissal of external portrayals of Muhammadabad as a hub of criminal activities reflects the town’s resilience amid external scrutiny. Muhammadabad, despite its challenges and controversies, has continued to navigate through political upheavals and media narratives.

Legacy and the Future

As Muhammadabad grapples with its past and present narratives, the Ansari family’s story serves as a testament to the complex intertwining of political power, social influence, and legal challenges. The recent demise of Mukhtar Ansari marks a pivotal moment in the town’s narrative, sparking reflections on its enduring legacy and the paths ahead.