Saharanpur, August 20: Congress MP Imran Masood has strongly criticized the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) actions against Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan and the associated properties of Jawahar University. He accused the central government of using investigative agencies to target opposition leaders.
Masood described the ED’s actions against Khan as unfortunate, stating that Khan has already faced severe hardships. He emphasized that the ongoing actions seem aimed at consistently targeting opposition figures.
He referenced the arrest of AAP leader Satyendar Jain, noting that the government appears focused solely on taking action against opposition leaders like Khan and others.
Additionally, Masood targeted the government over issues related to NEET and paper leaks. He pointed out that the necessary actions regarding children’s futures are not being taken, which adversely affects students due to disruptions in the examination system.
Regarding the upcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, Masood addressed the seat-sharing discussions between Congress and the Samajwadi Party. He asserted that there is no need for third-party mediation, as both parties can resolve the matter internally. Decisions on seat allocations will be made at the party level and should not be publicly disclosed.
When asked if Congress would contest the elections alone if the Samajwadi Party does not agree to a fair seat-sharing arrangement, he stated that the Congress party will make that decision. He cautioned against prematurely speculating about conflicts between him and Akhilesh Yadav.
On Mayawati’s preparations for the UP elections, Masood remarked that the BSP has a specific process for candidate selection. He raised concerns about the party’s internal dynamics, suggesting that activities often revolve around a limited group. He advised Mayawati to focus on the ground realities, especially the rising incidents of atrocities against Dalits in the state.
Masood claimed that Uttar Pradesh has a significant share of reported Dalit oppression cases, although independent verification of these figures is necessary.
When asked if the Dalit community has distanced itself from Mayawati, he refrained from making a definitive statement but noted that Congress has historically worked on Dalit issues. He referenced Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision, highlighting Congress’s efforts to provide land leases and job opportunities for the landless. He expressed concern that aligning with forces seeking to abolish reservations is troubling. Merely changing candidates will not alter the political landscape, he added, noting that the BSP has not effectively participated in recent elections.
In response to Mayawati’s claim that opposition parties are anxious about her electoral preparations, Masood countered that Mayawati herself needs to be vigilant. He cited the electoral outcomes of 2019, 2022, and 2024, suggesting that the BSP leadership should reassess its political standing given the party’s declining performance.
Masood also criticized Mayawati for praising the BJP, calling it a major factor in the BSP’s decline. He warned that praising those responsible for Dalit atrocities could have significant political repercussions. He urged Mayawati to clarify her political stance on this issue.
Regarding a viral video of a purported heated debate between Ashu Malik and himself, Masood clarified that no serious argument occurred. He stated that it was his responsibility to allow everyone to speak during the program, and the video misrepresents the event, which was not as dramatic as portrayed.
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