In a surprising turn of events, Aazam Kazi of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) has secured victory in the Ward 6 election in Kolhapur. This win comes despite Kazi being officially listed as a criminal on police records.
Police Externment Order Issued Before Voting
Sangli superintendent of police Sandip Ghuge took decisive action just days before the election. On January 8, Ghuge issued an externment order targeting Kazi and seven other individuals with criminal records. This order explicitly barred them from entering both Sangli and Kolhapur districts for a full year.
High Court Provides Interim Relief
Facing this significant obstacle, Kazi promptly approached the high court for assistance. The court responded by granting him interim relief, which remained in effect until January 17, a Saturday. This legal intervention allowed Kazi to continue his campaign efforts during the critical pre-election period.
Kazi openly acknowledged the challenges he faced. "After the order, there were restrictions on my campaigning," he stated on Thursday. "My campaign was led by my supporters. I thank them for helping me win despite the odds."
Details of the Kazi Gang
According to the official externment details, Kazi is the son of former corporator Raziya Kazi. He, along with several relatives, allegedly formed what authorities refer to as the 'Kazi gang'. This group has faced serious legal charges, including attempted murder. Police records indicate they were considered a genuine threat to public law and order in the area.
The election results from Ward 6 in Kolhapur highlight a complex political landscape. Voters have chosen a candidate who navigated both legal hurdles and police scrutiny to achieve electoral success.
