Shafiqur Rahman Barq, a venerable figure within the ranks of the Samajwadi Party and the Member of Parliament representing Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal constituency passed away today at the age of 94. Widely regarded as India's most senior parliamentarian, Barq breathed his last at a private medical facility in Moradabad, succumbing reportedly to complications arising from a kidney infection. His health had been in a state of decline over an extended period, rendering him frail and debilitated.
The news of his demise prompted an outpouring of condolences from various quarters, with the Samajwadi Party taking to social media platform X to express profound sadness at the loss of their esteemed leader. Their message extended prayers for the repose of Barq's soul and invoked strength for his grieving family members to cope with their profound sorrow. Similarly, SP President Akhilesh Yadav conveyed his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family, acknowledging the significant contributions of Barq to both the party and the nation at large.
Born on July 11, 1930, Shafiqur Rehman Barq embarked on his political journey under the mentorship of former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh. Renowned for his advocacy on behalf of the Muslim community, Barq played a pivotal role as the coordinator of the Babri Masjid Action Committee, amplifying their concerns on a national platform. His association with Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav during the party's inception further underscored his commitment to the cause of social justice and inclusive governance.
Barq's illustrious political career saw him elected as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) on four occasions, with his tenure marked by notable achievements and contributions. His ascendancy to the Lok Sabha occurred on multiple occasions, securing victory from the Muradabad constituency thrice (in 1996, 1998, and 2004) and from Sambhal twice (in 2009 and 2019) under the SP banner. Additionally, Barq's service to the state of Uttar Pradesh included ministerial responsibilities within the state cabinet, further enhancing his stature as a seasoned statesman with a deep-rooted commitment to public service.
In a testament to his enduring legacy and commitment to public service, Barq's influence extended beyond his own tenure, as evidenced by his instrumental role in securing electoral success for his grandson, Ziaur Rahman Barq, who was elected as an MLA from the Muradabad constituency in 2022.
The profound impact of Barq's dedicated service did not go unnoticed, as evidenced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commendation of his unwavering dedication despite advancing age during the year 2023, underscoring the universal respect and admiration garnered by the late leader throughout his lifetime.
