Mau court convicts SBSP MLA Abbas Ansari for inflammatory speech during 2022 elections, putting his legislative position at risk.
Mau: The MP-MLA court in Mau, Uttar Pradesh, convicted SBSP MLA Abbas Ansari, son of former strongman MP Mukhtar Ansari, in a hate speech case, sentencing him to 2 years in prison and a fine of ₹3,000. The case stems from an inflammatory speech delivered during the 2022 UP Assembly election campaign at Mau’s Pahadpur Maidan, where Abbas threatened to “deal with” officials if his party came to power.
Details of the Inflammatory Speech
On March 3, 2022, during a public rally in Mau, Abbas Ansari warned that officials would be “taken care of” if his party formed the government, sparking outrage. A FIR was lodged by then Mau Kotwali sub-inspector Gangaram Bind under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including Section 506 (criminal intimidation), Section 171F (undue influence at elections), Section 186 (obstructing public servant), Section 189 (threatening a public servant), Section 153A (promoting enmity between groups), and Section 120B (criminal conspiracy).
Court Verdict and Co-Accused
The case was heard in the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate KP Singh, who pronounced Abbas guilty. Co-accused Mansoor Ansari was also convicted, receiving a 6-month sentence and a ₹1,000 fine. The verdict has significant implications as Abbas, a sitting MLA from Mau Sadar, now faces potential disqualification under the Representation of the People Act, which bars convicted lawmakers from office if sentenced to 2 years or more.
Political and Legal Ramifications
Abbas Ansari’s conviction adds to the legal troubles of the Ansari family, known for its controversial political legacy. Mukhtar Ansari, a five-time MLA, was convicted in multiple criminal cases before his death in 2024. Legal experts suggest Abbas may appeal the verdict in a higher court to seek relief and save his legislative seat. “The conviction could lead to immediate disqualification unless stayed by a higher court,” said advocate Rakesh Tiwari, a legal analyst in Lucknow.
Background of the Case
The 2022 speech drew sharp criticism for its threatening tone, with opposition parties accusing Abbas of attempting to intimidate officials and polarize voters. The case gained traction due to Abbas’s lineage and his active role in the Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP), a regional ally in UP’s political landscape. A 2023 report by the Association for Democratic Reforms noted that over 40% of UP MLAs, including Abbas, face criminal charges, highlighting the state’s complex political-criminal nexus.
What’s Next for Abbas?
Abbas, recently released from Kasganj jail in April 2025 after a 2-year-8-month detention in a separate case, now faces renewed scrutiny. The Supreme Court had previously allowed him conditional visits to his father’s grave, but this conviction could limit his political mobility. Local political observers predict that SBSP may face pressure to distance itself from Abbas, especially with upcoming civic polls in UP.