The Union minister who has built a reputation for wading into controversies with his remarks is aiming to enter the Lok Sabha for the sixth time. But he faces a difficult contest, with the BJP's Kirti Vardhan Singh emerging as a strong contender. The BSP has fielded former MP Akbar Ahmed "Dumpy," and the Peace Party Masood Alam Khan. The two candidates are threatening to walk away with the Muslim votes, which would have otherwise gone to Mr Verma.
Constituency: Gonda
Party: Congress
Age: 73
Education: Graduate Professional
Assets: Rs. 70,042,778