Ahmed bragged that whichever party he had supported in the past has gained in at least seven to eight parliamentary seats, and nearly 30 assembly seats, from this association. Though he did not come forth with his future political plans, his “confidence” on the Congress is enough indication that he is making overtures to that party. “Congress represents the interest of Muslims,” he said.

Ahmed said Chief Minister Mayawati is “conspiring to get me killed in an encounter”. He charged her of falsely implicating him in several FIRs. “She has also got FIRs registered against my wife, driver and my supporters,” he said. He also said some charges against him have been at the behest of SP leader Amar Singh though his relations with Mulayam Singh “have always been cordial”.

The UP police has declared Ahmed, an accused in the murder of BSP leader Raju Pal, as an absconder. Ahmed said, “How can I abscond when my counsel represents me regularly in court proceedings?”