300 Muslim women from Okhla joined the BJP today at an event held at BJP candidate Manish Chaudhry’s residence in a significant political development amid Assembly election 2025 heat, according to saffron party leader Charan Singh. Singh told The OT that more than 350 people attended the event, which he attributed to months of efforts convincing these women to join the party.
Activist Shabnam Khan, who led the women’s group, said 350 women in total participated, including over 300 Muslim women. A former AAP member, Shabnam stated: “No work was done in the last 10 years by the AAP government, and Okhla was completely neglected. Frustration in the area led these women to join the BJP, hoping its governance would address civic issues such as water supply, infrastructure, overflowing sewers, and poor roads.”
The women, who came from areas like Batla House, Zakir Nagar, Jaitpur, Shaheen Bagh, and Okhla Vihar, were joined by BJP leaders including Manish Chaudhry, his wife and Councillor Nitu Chaudhry, and others at the event in Jasola. Attendees included Shahana Parveen, Sheereen, Hena, and others. A reporter noted that many women identified themselves as Muslims and were visibly wearing hijabs, dispelling suspicions of a staged event.
A political observer called it unprecedented for such a large number of Muslim women to join the BJP in Okhla.
Election dynamics in Okhla
Okhla is in the throes of Assembly elections, with three Muslim candidates — Amanatullah Khan (AAP), Ariba Khan (Congress), and Shifaur Rehman (AIMIM) — competing for dominance. Concerns about vote-splitting are widespread among residents.
Incumbent MLA Amanatullah Khan, seeking a third term, is urging residents to back him, claiming that a vote for Congress or AIMIM would benefit the BJP. At a recent meeting in Zakir Nagar, he emphasised his ability to get vote across all five wards.
Congress candidate Ariba Khan, daughter of Asif Md Khan, is also canvassing hard, especially in three Muslim-majority wards. Asif criticised Amanatullah for neglecting Okhla during his tenure, but Ariba faces similar allegations of underperformance since becoming Councillor two years ago from Abul Fazal Enclave ward.
The AIMIM candidate, Shifaur Rehman, is currently jailed in connection with the Delhi riots. His campaign is being led by his wife, Noorine Fatima, who has impressed residents with her eloquence and composure. At a gathering in Ghaffar Manzil, Noorine urged voters to support her husband, claiming he is being punished for advocating for their rights.
Manish Chaudhry, a former Delhi University students’ leader who switched from Congress to BJP years ago, is focusing on development promises. His wife Nitu Chaudhry, a three-time Councillor from Sarita Vihar, adds weight to his campaign. With Muslim voters comprising 55 per cent of Okhla’s electorate, a split in votes could work in Chaudhry’s favour and for the first time BJP’s dream of having its own MLA in Okhla might come true.
Election watchers cautioned that it’s too early to draw any conclusions. They noted that the situation in the area will experience many shifts leading up to election day on February 5. According to them, residents typically make up their minds just two days before the election, and only the candidate who maintains momentum will succeed, while others may falter.
