The Rise of Imran Pratapgarhi: A Poet-Politician’s Journey in Congress

The meteoric rise of Imran Pratapgarhi within the Congress has surprised many, both inside and outside the party. At just 37, the Rajya Sabha MP and chairperson of the AICC’s Minority Department has carved a niche for himself, despite hailing from a non-political background.

Supreme Court Criticizes Gujarat Police Over FIR

Pratapgarhi recently found himself amid controversy after the Gujarat Police filed an FIR against him over a social media post. The case was related to a video featuring the poem “Ae khoon ke please baat suno”, which authorities deemed “objectionable”. Following a complaint, Pratapgarhi was booked on January 3 under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

On Monday, the Supreme Court pulled up the Gujarat Police, stating:

“Seventy-five years after the Constitution came into existence, the police must now understand the meaning of freedom of speech and expression.”

From Small-Town Poet to National Figure

Born in Shamsherganj Bazaar village in Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Pratapgarhi grew up in a family of ten siblings. His father, Mohammad Iliyas Khan, was a Unani doctor, while his mother, Sajida Khan, was a homemaker.

After completing his schooling in Pratapgarh, he pursued a postgraduate degree in Hindi literature from Allahabad University (2008) and also obtained a diploma in journalism. From his college days, he actively participated in Kavi Sammelans (Hindi poetry gatherings) and Mushairas (Urdu poetry symposiums), gaining a strong following across India and abroad.

His poetry often reflects social and political themes, addressing the concerns of marginalized communities, celebrating India’s diversity, and promoting peace and tolerance.

Activism and Entry into Politics

Before entering politics, Pratapgarhi was vocal about mob lynchings. He is known to have extended help to victims’ families and, in 2017, organized a blood donation drive at Jantar Mantar, where 2,816 units of blood were donated in a symbolic protest against lynchings, under the slogan “Lahu Bol Raha Hai” (Blood is Speaking).

His activism caught the attention of Congress, and in November 2018, he was invited for a meeting with then-party president Rahul Gandhi. The meeting, initially scheduled for 20 minutes, extended to nearly two hours, covering various political and social issues.

Just months later, Congress fielded him from Moradabad in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, where he secured a 4.62% vote share, finishing third.

Congress Leadership and Parliamentary Role

Despite his electoral loss, Pratapgarhi was appointed AICC’s Minority Department head in June 2021. In July 2022, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Maharashtra, making him one of the youngest members of the Upper House.

Known for blending poetry with political speeches, he remains a popular figure in Congress circles. A party activist notes:

“Whenever he visits the AICC headquarters in Delhi, people from across the country line up for hours to meet him—sometimes in larger numbers than those outside senior leaders’ offices.”

Legacy in Poetry and Recognition

Pratapgarhi credits social media, Mushairas, and Kavi Sammelans for his success. Inspired by poets Rahat Indori and Habib Jalib, he has been deeply involved in the literary world since childhood.

In 2016, the Akhilesh Yadav-led Samajwadi Party government honored him with the Yash Bharti Award for his contributions to poetry and social work, making him the youngest recipient at 29 years old.

As a poet-turned-politician, Imran Pratapgarhi continues to navigate the intersection of art, activism, and politics, often finding himself at the center of debates on freedom of speech in India.