New Delhi: In the vibrant lanes of Shaheen Bagh Market, once the epicenter of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) protests, life continues as usual. Shopkeepers engage in animated negotiations, visitors navigate through narrow stalls, and the air is thick with the aroma of street food. Yet, amid the routine hustle, political fervor is steadily mounting as the Delhi Assembly elections approach.
In Okhla and Mustafabad, two key constituencies in Northeast Delhi, political campaigns have taken an unusual turn. The All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) has fielded Shifa-ur-Rehman and Tahir Hussain as its candidates for the February 5 polls—both of whom remain incarcerated over their alleged involvement in the 2020 Northeast Delhi riots. In their absence, their families have stepped forward to lead their campaigns, appealing to voters with emotion-driven narratives.
A Wife’s Appeal for Support
Shifa-ur-Rehman, the president of the Jamia Millia Islamia Alumni Association, has been in custody since April 2020. His wife, Naureen, has assumed the mantle of his campaign, urging voters not to forget him. Accompanied by family members, friends, and supporters—including staff from Jamia Millia Islamia—Naureen traverses the bustling lanes of Okhla, distributing pamphlets and making personal appeals.
“Shifa tum sangharsh karo, hum tumhare saath hain” (Shifa, you fight on, we are with you), she and her supporters chant, albeit with a note of inexperience in their voices. Engaging with shopkeepers and passersby, she places her hand on the head of Kazim, a 15-year-old boy assisting his parents at their fabric stall, and says, “You must study and read this pamphlet to your parents. Tell them to pray for Shifa and vote for him.”
Despite her passionate outreach, skepticism persists among some voters. Shaukat Ali, a mattress shop owner, reflects on the electorate’s uncertainty: “Most people here don’t fully understand democracy. I’ve heard from friends that Shifa is a well-read and helpful person, but many are still unsure about their vote.”
Rehan, a Jamia student managing a cigarette stall in Batla House, voices similar concerns. “Many here consider Amanatullah Bhai (the incumbent AAP MLA) as family, though they feel he hasn’t delivered much in the past five years. Ariba Khan (the Congress candidate) is also a strong contender. People sympathize with Shifa Bhai, but fear that AIMIM’s participation might split votes and inadvertently benefit the BJP.”
At a public meeting in Batla House that evening, Naureen stands on stage against a backdrop of posters bearing her husband’s image and the slogan: “Qaid hoon magar toota nahi hoon” (I am imprisoned, but I am not broken). With raw emotion, she addresses the crowd, countering the claim that AIMIM’s presence could divide the Muslim vote. “If it is truly about stopping the BJP, why don’t other candidates step aside? Why is it only Okhla and Mustafabad’s responsibility to prevent their victory?” she asks.
Drawing a parallel between her husband’s imprisonment and the collective struggle of the people, she continues, “During the lockdown, we all felt suffocated within our homes. Imagine the plight of my husband, imprisoned for five years.” Concluding her appeal, she pleads with the voters, “I am not a politician—I am an ordinary woman, one of you. For me, the biggest issue is my husband’s freedom. Vote for Shifa, and once he is out, he will work to address all your concerns.”
A Son’s Poetic Plea in Mustafabad
In Mustafabad, a similar campaign unfolds for Tahir Hussain, AIMIM’s candidate and a former AAP councillor currently imprisoned on charges related to the 2020 riots. On Monday night, his son, Shadab, leads a gathering at the SM Marriage Hall, delivering a poetic appeal on behalf of his father:
“Mere walid sahab ne aap sabke liye ek paigham bheja:
Inn aasuon ki laaj zara tum bhi rakh lena,
Bhulakar har ghila shikwa mujhe apna bana lena,
Dekar vote mujhe apna, mujhe tum nayi zindagi dena.”
(My father has sent you a message: Honor these tears, make me yours by forgiving grievances. Give me a new life by casting your vote for me.”)
Shadab underscores his father’s contributions to AAP, asserting that the party abandoned him post-arrest. “When my father was with AAP, he worked tirelessly. But when he needed their support, they distanced themselves.”
Meanwhile, Hussain’s wife, Shama Anjum, is engaged in a door-to-door campaign, while his elder son, Sharikh Hussain, oversees legal matters. Campaign posters display Hussain’s image alongside AIMIM’s flag, bearing the slogan, “Aapki duaon ka talib” (The seeker of your prayers).
Candidates with Legal Histories in the Electoral Fray
From AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal to his long-time loyalist Manish Sisodia, and AIMIM candidates Tahir Hussain and Shifa-ur-Rehman, several individuals contesting the Delhi Assembly elections have spent time in jail in connection with various cases, including corruption and riots.
According to political experts, a candidate’s history of incarceration does not necessarily impact their popularity. In certain instances, imprisonment can even garner public sympathy, though this does not always translate into electoral success.
Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was arrested ahead of last year’s Lok Sabha elections in connection with a money laundering case linked to the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy. Despite this, his political influence remains significant.
AIMIM’s Political Strategy
AIMIM’s decision to contest only two seats in the Delhi Assembly elections has sparked discussions about the impact on the broader electoral landscape. Addressing concerns over potential vote division, the party’s Delhi spokesperson, Shoaib Jamai, clarifies, “We are contesting these seats to send a strong political message. Our candidates are capable and well-established in their respective constituencies.”
He further asserts, “Our presence is not meant to weaken any secular force but to strengthen the voice of our community in politics.”
As February 5 approaches, Okhla and Mustafabad stand at the crossroads of political change. The contest is not just about individual candidates but about the broader struggle for representation, identity, and justice in Delhi’s evolving political landscape.
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