The 2025 election is proving to be no easy task for AAP Okhla MLA Amanatullah Khan, a stark contrast to the 2020 elections, when he won decisively by over 70,000 votes. His victory was largely attributed to the support of Okhla residents, who were still deeply affected by the Delhi riots and the anti-CAA-NRC peaceful sit-in in Shaheen Bagh.
However, the entry of Asaduddin Owaisi’s AIMIM in Delhi election this year has changed the dynamics of the race. Amanatullah now finds himself on shaky ground, facing a strong anti-incumbency sentiment. Since his release on bail over two months ago, he has been working tirelessly to regain the trust of Okhla voters and counter the rising opposition against him.
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Many Okhla residents have expressed dissatisfaction with Amanatullah’s tenure, accusing him of failing to bring about significant development in the area during his ten years in office. Opposition parties, including Congress, BJP and AIMIM, have been quick to criticise him for his perceived lack of progress. They have also accused him of scaring residents with the warning that “if they don’t vote for him, the BJP will come into power and deprive them of all facilities.”
In response to Owaisi’s growing influence in Okhla, Amanatullah has been emphasising his sacrifices and urging voters to not split their votes, warning that doing so could allow the BJP to win Okhla for the first time in many years.
On the other hand, Owaisi has launched an aggressive and highly visible campaign, holding massive rallies and roadshows that have captured the public’s attention. AIMIM’s emotive campaign, backed by a strong online presence, is beginning to challenge Amanatullah’s popularity. He has frequently mentioned this in his speeches, acknowledging the rising influence of Owaisi’s virtual army of supporters.
This emotive rhetoric is gaining traction, partly due to the candidacy of Shifaur-Rehman, the president of the Jamia alumni association, who was a prominent figure in the anti-CAA protests at Jamia Millia Islamia. Rehman, who has been in jail since 2020 in connection with the Delhi riots, has been granted parole to campaign. Owaisi, unlike in previous elections, is personally leading the campaign, engaging in rallies, roadshows, and even small group discussions to build support for his leadership. Recently, he even invited around 50 YouTubers and influencers to his MP house in Delhi to rally support.
Owaisi’s high-energy campaign has left Congress candidate Ariba Khan’s father, Asif Mohammad Khan, a former MLA, struggling to gain attention. Traditionally, Asif Khan would grab headlines in the absence of a strong Hyderabad-based party, using his actions and gimmicks to stand out. This time, however, he has been overshadowed by the intensity of Owaisi’s campaign.
Asif has been urging residents to vote for his daughter, Ariba, citing her education and leadership potential. Even Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visited Okhla for the first time since launching his political career to support Ariba. The last time a Congress scion visited Okhla was Sonia Gandhi. The president of the Indian National Congress visited Jamia Millia Islamia in 2010 during the tenure of Najeeb Jung as the Vice Chancellor.
The BJP’s candidate, Manish Chaudhary, is no pushover either. He is a popular figure, with appeal among Muslims, albeit in a smaller percentage.
The OT spoke to voters in the constituency to gauge the mood on the ground.
