Sambhal MP Dr Burke passes away in Moradabad
– Photo: Amar Ujala
Expansion
SP MP from Sambhal Lok Sabha seat, Dr. Shafiqur Rahman Burke breathed his last on Tuesday. He was 93 years old. He was admitted to a private hospital in Moradabad for the last several days due to kidney problem. After his death, his body was brought from Moradabad to his residence at Deepa Sarai in Sambhal.
As the crowd of people paying their last respects increased, the body was taken to a marriage hall in Sambhal. His grandson Ziaur Rahman Burke said that he will be laid to rest in Sambhal on Wednesday. Samajwadi Party had again declared Dr. Burke as its candidate from SP Sambhal seat for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Dr. Burke, a five-time MP, had won from Sambhal parliamentary seat twice, whereas before this he had been elected MP from Moradabad Lok Sabha seat thrice. Apart from this, he was also an MLA from Sambhal assembly constituency four times and a minister in the state government once.
His grandson Ziaur Rahman Barq is SP MLA from Kundarki seat of Moradabad. Dr. Burke, known for his sharp statements in minority class politics, was also the convenor of Babri Masjid Action Committee. Some time ago, the Prime Minister had also congratulated Dr. Burke for being the oldest MP in the current Parliament.
First election was contested in 1967
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman Burke contested the first election from Sambhal assembly constituency in 1967 on the ticket of Swatantra Party but did not win. Even in 1969, he was defeated when he contested elections from the Swatantra Party. He was elected MLA for the first time in 1974 by contesting elections from Bharatiya Kranti Dal (BKD).
In 1996, he contested the election of MP from Moradabad Lok Sabha constituency for the first time on SP ticket and won. After this, he was MP from Moradabad twice more. Then he was elected MP from Sambhal twice.