Mumbaikars will not forgive Abu Salem, one of the 123 accused in the 1993 serial blasts case. But his family wants him to prove his innocence in the people’s court— before the court of law delivers its verdict. However, it is unlikely before the 2007 Uttar Pradesh election.
The signals are confusing. The gangster’s political ambition may be in jeopardy as the Bhartiya Samaj Party is not going to make his candidature official on Thursday. But Salem’s family refuses to give up hope.
It expects a public announcement by the Bhartiya Samaj Party’s rally in Sarai Mir (UP). The party’s national president, Om Prakash Rajbhar, insists that he never made "any offer" to Salem.
The Congress, with whom Rajbhar, is busy sewing a pact for the UP poll, will not accept Salem’s candidature. The gangster, however, has other takers. Apna Dal president Sone Lal Patel said the Kurmi-dominated party was not averse to Salem or Dawood.