As reported in Sakaaltimes on October 22nd, 2009
Samajwadi Party’s Maharashtra unit chief Abu Asim Azmi celebrates his victory with the people on Oct 22, 09 India’s richest socialist leader and Samajwadi Party’s Maharashtra unit chief Abu Asim Azmi has won the Vidhan Sabha elections from two places – Mankhurd in Mumbai and Bhiwandi East in Thane. His party has won four seats and has repeated the performance of 1995 elections. In 1999, the party has won two seats.
Azmi, a former Rajya Sabha member, has unsuccessfully contested the Lok Sabha elections from Mumbai and lost the last Vidhan Sabha elections from Bhiwandi. However, this time he scored a double. It is however, not yet known, he would resign which seat. He is the only politician who has won the elections from two places this time.
A vocal leader and a good orator, he has been steering the Samajwadi Party in Mumbai and Maharahstra since the last 10 to 12 years and this time his presence would be felt in the Vidhan Sabha.
During the filing of his nominations – he has declared the maximum assets. His assets declared are to the tune of Rs 126 crore. He is also the person who has the highest liability with 4.82 crore. Azmi, a resident of Colaba in Mumbai, is also one of the vocal critics of MNS chief Raj Thackeray and has publicly condemned him for the latter’s stance against the migrant population, particularly those from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
It may be recalled that he was arrested by police after the March 12, 1993 serial blasts case; however, he was discharged by the Supreme Court. Azmi following his discharge, he joined Samajwadi Party. He enjoys very good relations with SP chief Mulayam Singh Yadav and SP general secretary Amar Singh.
Besides Azmi, the others who won are: Sharad Gavat (Nawapur), who defeated Congress stalwart and minister Surupsinh Naik and Abdul Rasid Tahir Momin (Bhiwandi West) who defeated Congress’ Javed Gulam Mohammed Dalvi. The SP has contested 31 seats and was part of the Republican Left Democratic Front.
