Across yesterday’s (23^rd Oct) newspapers and news-websites, one of the main stories was, “Abu Salem to contest UP Assembly elections” (rediff story here). The reports said that Abu Salem is considering standing for election as an independent from Mubarakpur in UP.

The irony of the situation? He is unlikely to be able to campaign personally as he is still in Arthur Road jail in connection with the 1993 bomb blasts and the murders of builder Pradeep Jain and of Ajit Dewani (Manisha Koirala’s former secretary)

Why Mubarakpur? Ostensibly because his sister and brother-in-law (who are his campaign managers) live there…“

The real reason? the constituency has “a sizeable number of voters from Abu Salem’s Ansari community” (this from his lawyer). His lawyer also said that “Bollywood actors and starlets will also be campaigning for Salem”

The worst part? the local unit of the Shiv Sena has already announced support for Salem (can the Congress and BJP be far behind?)

The ultimate irony? His name does not even figure on the voters list

Sad