Cricket legend Mohammad Azharuddin is set to visit Okhla to campaign for Congress candidate Ariba Khan, according to Okhla Congress members. Azharuddin is expected to address residents in K-block, Abul Fazal Enclave, on January 30 at 7 pm.
Azharuddin’s political journey
After retiring from cricket following allegations of match-fixing, Azharuddin entered politics in 2009. He contested the election from Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, and won. However, he lost in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. In 2012, the Andhra Pradesh High Court lifted his life ban on playing cricket after an appeal. In 2018, he was appointed as the President of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee.
Azharuddin’s visit comes after Rahul Gandhi’s successful rally
Azharuddin’s visit to Okhla follows Rahul Gandhi’s recent visit to Jamia Nagar, his first-ever visit to the area. Rahul’s visit energised Congress workers and bolstered the chances of Ariba Khan, who currently serves as the Congress Councillor from Shaheen Bagh, in the upcoming Delhi elections. Ariba is the daughter of former Congress MLA Asif Mohammad Khan, and her uncle, Arif Mohammad Khan, is a BJP leader and the current Governor of Bihar.
Ariba Khan faces strong competition in Okhla
Ariba is up against incumbent Okhla AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan, who is seeking a third term. Other candidates include BJP’s Manish Chaudhry, AIMIM’s Shifaur Rehman, and candidates from smaller parties.
At a rally held by Rahul Gandhi at Tikona Park, Ariba Khan launched a scathing attack on Amanatullah Khan for failing to develop the locality over the last decade.
“I am addressing the people of Okhla once again, and I will speak about the significant issues you have been facing for the past 10 years—whether it’s development, administrative tyranny, or the excesses of the authorities. I am well aware of your troubles, and I promise you that I will stand with you in every difficulty,” said Ariba.
Ariba vows to fight for Okhla’s rights
“I am the daughter of a man who has always guided you strongly, and I am a soldier of a leader who is here today. Today, we will write a historic chapter in Okhla’s history. Today, Rahul Gandhi is here, and he will not just open a shop of love in Okhla; he will open a factory of love, InshaAllah,” she added.
Ariba also highlighted the neglect Okhla has faced over the last decade. “Whether it’s issues like sewers, roads, electricity meters, or drinking water, Okhla has been completely neglected. The people here have been disappointed, and today, we have come to seek justice for that disappointment,” she said.
Ariba blasts Kejriwal and AAP’s governance track record
Reflecting on the past 10 years, Ariba praised the work of former Delhi Chief Minister Sheela Dixit, calling her the person behind the development of Delhi, including the metro project and schools still functioning today. She accused Arvind Kejriwal’s government of failing Okhla.
“Kejriwal’s government claims to have provided water in 98 per cent of Delhi, but not a single drop of water has come to Okhla for 10 years. They claim to have worked on education, but in the past 10 years, no new schools have opened in Okhla. They say they have worked on healthcare, but there is still no new government hospital in Okhla or nearby areas. People still have to go to AIIMS and Safdarjung, which were set up by Sheela Dixit and the Congress Party,” Ariba stated.
Ariba accuses Kejriwal of anti-Muslim sentiment
Ariba took aim at Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of fostering an anti-Muslim mentality, particularly during the NRC issue and the Shaheen Bagh protests. “During the protests, our women braved cold nights while the Congress Party stood by them. Kejriwal, however, suggested sending the Delhi Police under his command to end the protests within an hour,” she said.
She also recalled comments made by Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia during the corona pandemic, where he accused the Tablighi Jamaat of spreading the virus, calling it “Corona Jihad.”
Ariba calls for strong support for Rahul Gandhi
Ariba expressed her gratitude to the Congress Party leadership for giving her the opportunity to fight for the rights of Okhla residents. “Today, because of you, we stand here at this point. The whole of Delhi is talking about the Okhla Assembly seat. Today, you have proven by gathering here in such large numbers that on February 5, we will show the strength of Okhla’s people,” she said.
Ariba urged the residents of Okhla to support Rahul Gandhi, stating that the stronger his hands are, the more effectively they can fight for the people’s rights. “Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi are the only leaders who stand for Muslims, minorities, Dalits, and backward classes in this country,” she added.
Ariba praises Rahul Gandhi’s leadership
She concluded with a couplet dedicated to Rahul Gandhi: “In this world, only one person has turned the tide of circumstances, and that is Rahul Gandhi.”
Ariba thanked the people for their time and expressed confidence that they would help Congress win the Okhla seat, strengthening the party and its mission.
