Asaduddin Owaisi, president of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM), recently made a significant statement that could shake up the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections and impact politics in Okhla. In an interview with ABP News, Owaisi revealed that his party might field Shifaur Rahman, the jailed former president of the Jamia Alumni Association, from the Okhla Assembly seat. This revelation has sparked intense debate within the local political community.
Shifaur Rahman, who was a prominent figure in the anti-CAA movement at Jamia Millia Islamia during his tenure as president from 2019-2020, is seen by many as a strong candidate in Okhla. His potential candidacy could lead to a split in the vote between Congress, AIMIM, and AAP, with the AAP candidate, Amanatullah Khan, seeking re-election for the third time in the seat.
Shifaur Rehman Khan played a major role in the anti-CAA movement at Jamia Millia Islamia while he was president of the Jamia Alumni Association in 2019-2020, according to news.abplive.com.
In addition to Shifaur Rahman, AIMIM has already announced a ticket for Tahir Hussain, an accused in the 2020 Delhi riots, to contest from Mustafabad, a riot-affected area. The party is also considering Shahrukh Pathan, another riot accused, for the Seelampur seat. Okhla, a significant Muslim-majority area, has long been a battleground for political rivalries, and Owaisi’s statement indicates that AIMIM intends to challenge established parties like AAP, BJP, and Congress, particularly in constituencies with a large Muslim population.
However, Shifaur Rahman’s candidacy is not yet confirmed. Sources close to his family and associates have not corroborated the claims, and one AAJMI member, speaking anonymously, suggested it’s too early to draw any conclusions. A similar rumour had earlier surrounded Umar Khalid, another jailed leader, but his family dismissed it as a mere rumour.
For the people of Okhla, this political development signals a potential shift in the local politics. The AAP, which currently holds a strong foothold in Delhi, could face increased competition, particularly as AIMIM seeks to make inroads into the region. Local observers suggest that AIMIM’s entry could polarise the election, as each party vies for the support of this crucial voter base.
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In a related development, during an interview with OT, a Congress leader had suggested Shifaur Rahman’s name as a potential candidate for Congress, especially in light of Ishrat Jahan, a potential Congress contender. Shoaib Danish, a three-time Councillor from Zakir Nagar, criticised the Congress for considering candidates like Jahan, who is not from Okhla, instead of local figures like Rahman.
The stakes in this election are high. With AAP, BJP, and Congress already preparing for a fierce battle, AIMIM’s entrance could further complicate the political dynamics in Delhi. Political observers are closely watching whether Owaisi’s decision to field Shifaur Rahman will boost his party’s standing or backfire.
As the Delhi Assembly elections approach, one thing is clear: This will likely be one of the most unpredictable elections in recent times. AIMIM’s potential contest in Okhla, led by Shifaur Rahman, could add an element of intrigue and uncertainty to the race. Owaisi is keen to expand his party’s presence beyond Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar—could Okhla become AIMIM’s next battleground? Although AIMIM has previously fielded candidates in Okhla, it has yet to find success in this constituency or elsewhere in Delhi.
