Mumbai’s political landscape heated up as Samajwadi Party senior leader Abu Azmi voiced strong concerns over the integrity of electoral processes. Speaking to the media on February 28, Azmi insisted that the Election Commission must conduct Special Intensive Revision (SIR) with complete honesty to ensure fair corporation elections.
Azmi highlighted glaring irregularities in recent local polls in his constituency. ‘Thousands of voters in my area had their names on the lists but couldn’t cast ballots because their names vanished inside polling stations,’ he revealed. He accused the system of deliberate tampering to favor the BJP by systematically removing non-BJP voters. ‘Voter lists need cleaning—yes, duplicates exist—but not at the expense of opposition supporters to rig outcomes,’ Azmi stressed.
Shifting to social issues, Azmi addressed Gujarat’s new law requiring parental consent for marriages. ‘The Constitution allows adults over 18 to marry freely, so why this restriction?’ he questioned. Acknowledging parental anxieties amid rising ‘love jihad’ and divorce cases, he urged families to communicate better rather than impose legal barriers.
As Holi approaches, Azmi extended festive greetings but cautioned against misuse. ‘Don’t apply colors to tease others; it erodes communal harmony. Let’s celebrate unity on Holi and Diwali alike.’
Commenting on Arvind Kejriwal’s acquittal, Azmi congratulated him but advised restraint. ‘You’ve been released—good. Now focus on politics without baseless accusations. Unite against communal forces to safeguard the Constitution, instead of opportunistic alliances.’
On Ramzan accommodations, Azmi reiterated demands for Muslim employees to get early leave, citing precedents in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. ‘I’ve written to the Chief Minister multiple times, but responses are pending.’
Finally, Azmi lambasted deteriorating law and order. ‘Daylight murders are rampant; in Shivajinagar, young Shifa was shot dead, shocking the community.’ He called for more police personnel, new stations, and stricter enforcement to restore safety.