MLA Alam Badi Azmi, one of the elderly leaders of Uttar Pradesh, passed away on Thursday morning. He was associated with Samajwadi Party and was elected MLA from Azamgarh 5 times. Badi, an engineer by profession, has a deep connection with Gorakhpur. He has been known for his simple life. Although his entry into politics was late, he soon managed to create the image of an effective leader in the political corridors.
Alam Badi was the oldest MLA of the state. He continued to be elected MLA from Nizamabad assembly seat of Azamgarh. His entry into politics came quite late. After retiring from government job, he came into politics and joined Mulayam Singh Yadav’s Samajwadi Party. Despite coming late, his start was excellent and he was elected MLA in the very first attempt.
Fought Nizamabad and won
Badi, who entered the political arena at the age of 60, was fielded by Mulayam Singh from Nizamabad seat in the 1996 assembly elections and he crossed his first hurdle in a tough contest. He was successful in the 2002 elections also. However, in the 2007 elections, Mayawati’s Bahujan Samaj Party won a big victory and captured power in UP. Nizamabad seat was also included in the party’s spectacular victory.
In this election, Badi had to face defeat from BSP’s Angad Yadav from Nizamabad. But after this defeat, Badi also completed his hat-trick of victories from this seat. He won the elections of 2012, 2017 and 2022.
Completed his studies from Islamia, Gorakhpur.
Badi was born on 16 March 1936 in Azamgarh. But his schooling was in Gorakhpur. His father Wadiuzzama Azmi used to be a game teacher at Islamia Inter College, Bakshipur, Gorakhpur. Similarly, he also stayed here and completed his studies till 12th class from this school.
Then he obtained a diploma degree in Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. He got a job in the irrigation department. He worked at many places including Gola tehsil of Gorakhpur. After retiring from job, he entered politics.
Came to collect the certificate after 76 years
He passed high school examination from Islamia in 1950. But then due to some reasons he could not get the certificate. After 76 years, he went to school in April this year where he was presented with this certificate in a grand programme.
Badi, who has a special identity in the political circles for his honesty and simplicity, was even offered to become a minister several times. But he did not accept it. He believed that this responsibility should be given to a youth in his place. After former Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav, he also has good relations with Akhilesh Yadav.
Traveling by roadways bus and scooter
Government job, then politics and that too MLA for 5 times. But Alam Badi lived a very simple life. It is said about him that even after becoming MLA, he used to travel in roadways buses instead of traveling in expensive and big vehicles. He used to use his scooter to go to the assembly in Lucknow. He did not take VIP culture i.e. gunner or any kind of security.
Those who won elections in 2 to 3 lakhs
Badi’s honest and simple image, which won the election at the age of 90, overshadowed many of his rivals. He never went to campaign with a big convoy. At a time when leaders spend lakhs and crores of rupees to win elections, Badi used to spend only Rs 2 to 3 lakh in an election. He also got victory.
Even after being MLA 5 times, he did not have much property. He had assets worth around Rs 40 lakh, including movable and immovable property. There was also a car in his name.
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