Shafiqur Rahman Barq: Senior Samajwadi Party leader and Member of Parliament from Sambhal Lok Sabha constituency Shafiqur Rahman Barq breathed his last on Tuesday. He was 93 years old.

Burq was under treatment at a private hospital in Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad. Barq was suffering from a long illness and was recently admitted to the hospital due to deteriorating health. Burq was the oldest member of the present Lok Sabha.

Four-time MLA Burq assumed Sambhal MP’s post in 2019. Recently, Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party had nominated him from Sambhal seat for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections but he died in the meantime.

Shafiqur Rahman Barq Age

Expressing grief over the demise of the senior leader, Akhilesh Yadav paid tribute to him through a social media post.

Various leaders from other political parties also expressed grief over Burq’s demise. Rashtriya Lok Dal leader Jayant Choudhary also expressed his condolence and praised Burq’s grassroots level connect and described him as a leader with true rapport with the people.

Burq attracted attention for his controversial statements on ‘Vande Mataram’ and his stance on Taliban control in Afghanistan.

In August 2021, he faced legal action for a controversial statement in which he drew parallels between the Taliban and India’s freedom fighters. He claimed that the Taliban was fighting for the independence of Afghanistan.

Burq’s demise marks the end of an era in Indian politics, leaving behind a legacy that includes a long and influential political career. He also gave birth to debate and discussion on various socio-political issues.