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Abu Salem wants to contest U.P. elections

Lucknow: Dreaded don Abu Salem, who was extradited from Portugal, is keen to contest Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh from his home constituency of Mubarakpur in Azamgarh district. The elections in the State are due early next year.

Salem is facing trial in the March, 1993 Mumbai serial blasts.

The don has already conveyed his wish to enter the political fray to prove his innocence in criminal activities and has asked his family members to launch a low-profile campaign.

Salem's counsel Harjot Singh here confirmed the don's decision to contest the Assembly elections from the Mubarakpur seat.

``It would be an effort by the don to go before the masses in his hometown to prove his innocence,'' counsel said.

Mohammad Rashid Ansari, another close confidante of the don and another of his counsel, too maintained that the family members have been asked to prepare for the coming polls.

Abudullah, nephew of Abu, said he has been asked by his uncle during his recent visit to Aurther Road Jail to prepare the groundwork.

He said if Salem contests the elections, it would be very hard for the candidates of other parties. Though the family members of the don have shifted to Saraimeerm, Mubarakpur remains his hometown. The constituency has a large number of Ansaris, with 20 per cent of the voters belonging to the Muslim community.

Interestingly, people of Azamgarh, particularly the Muslims, feel that Abu had only gone to Mumbai to be part of the booming Bollywood.

UNI

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