The 2024 Lok Sabha election in Uttar Pradesh witnessed a close contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the INDIA bloc, ultimately resulting in more seats for the opposition. However, the outcome may face uncertainty as there are six MPs facing criminal charges from the INDIA bloc, potentially leading to their disqualification from Parliament if convicted.
Among the prominent figures is Ghazipur MP Afzal Ansari, brother of the late Mukhtar Ansari, facing a four-year sentence in a Gangster Act case. While his conviction was temporarily stayed by the Allahabad High Court, the upcoming court hearing in July could determine his parliamentary fate.
Similarly, Azamgarh MP Dharmendra Yadav and Jaunpur MP Babu Singh Kushwaha are embroiled in multiple criminal cases, while Rambhual Nishad, Virendra Singh, and Imran Masood face various charges including those under the Gangster Act.
The offenses range from money laundering to intimidation, potentially leading to imprisonment exceeding two years. Past instances have seen MPs losing their parliamentary membership upon conviction, including notable names like Mohd Azam Khan and Khaboo Tiwari.
In the 2024 Uttar Pradesh Lok Sabha election, the NDA secured 36 seats, with BJP alone winning 33 seats, while the INDIA bloc, comprising the Samajwadi Party and Congress, clinched 43 seats. The MPs facing criminal charges add a layer of uncertainty to the political landscape of the state.