Atiq Ahmed: From Gangster to Politician
Atiq Ahmed is a name that has been associated with notoriety, crime, and politics in Uttar Pradesh, India. He is a controversial figure who has been involved in criminal activities and has also had a political career, making headlines for his alleged involvement in organized crime and his political maneuvers.
Atiq Ahmed was born on February 12, 1962, in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. He grew up in a modest background and was known for his aggressive and confrontational personality from a young age. Ahmed’s life took a turn towards crime in the 1980s when he entered the world of organized crime in Uttar Pradesh, becoming a notorious gangster in the region.
Ahmed’s criminal activities were varied and included extortion, land grabbing, and muscle-flexing. He was known for his ruthless tactics and was allegedly involved in several cases of violence, including murder and attempted murder. He was also accused of running an organized crime syndicate that operated in the Allahabad region, using fear and intimidation to exert his influence.
Despite his criminal activities, Ahmed entered politics in the late 1990s and emerged as a prominent figure in Uttar Pradesh’s political landscape. He joined the Samajwadi Party (SP), a regional political party in Uttar Pradesh, and contested the state assembly elections in 1993. He won the election and became a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from the Allahabad West constituency.
Ahmed’s political career was marked by controversies and criminal allegations. He was accused of using his political power to protect his criminal activities and shield himself from prosecution. Several cases were registered against him, ranging from murder and attempted murder to kidnapping and assault. He was also accused of misusing his political influence to accumulate wealth and properties through illegal means.
However, Ahmed’s political career also saw moments of success. He was re-elected as an MLA multiple times, serving as a member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly from 1993 to 2007, and then again from 2012 to 2017. He also held ministerial positions in the state government during his tenure as an MLA. His political base was primarily in the Allahabad region, where he was known for his strong-arm tactics and the loyalty of his followers.
Ahmed’s political career faced a setback in 2017 when he was expelled from the Samajwadi Party due to his criminal image and alleged involvement in criminal activities. He later joined the Apna Dal (Sonelal) and contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections from the Phulpur constituency as an independent candidate, but he was unsuccessful in winning the election.
Throughout his political career, Ahmed’s criminal activities continued to haunt him. He faced multiple criminal charges, arrests, and even imprisonment for his alleged involvement in various criminal cases. However, he has also claimed that the charges against him are politically motivated and an attempt to tarnish his image.
Atiq Ahmed’s journey from being a gangster to a politician has been controversial and divisive. While some see him as a symbol of lawlessness and political corruption, others view him as a voice for the marginalized and a leader who champions the cause of the downtrodden. His political career has been marked by ups and downs, with his criminal past often overshadowing his political achievements.
