In the heart of India's capital, two Muslim candidates, Shifa ur Rehman and Tahir Hussain, are running for seats in the Delhi legislative assembly. The elections, set for February 5, have drawn significant attention due to the unique circumstances surrounding these candidates. Both men have been embroiled in legal battles since their arrests related to the riots and protests in New Delhi that erupted in 2020. Despite these challenges, they aim to represent their constituencies and advocate for justice and change.
Rehman was arrested in April 2020, accused of inciting riots during student protests against a controversial citizenship law. The Delhi police allege that his involvement was instrumental in mobilizing unrest. Hussain, also behind bars, awaits trial for similar accusations related to the 2020 disturbances. Their candidacies symbolize more than just political aspirations; they represent a fight to "set the record straight."
"We have been treated as gangsters and terrorists [since Rehman’s arrest]. In this election, we have to prove our innocence," said Fatima, echoing the sentiment of many supporters who view this election as a platform for redemption and justice.
The political landscape in Delhi has been dominated by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which has secured the majority of Muslim votes in past elections. However, their endorsement of the citizenship law that sparked the 2020 protests has stirred controversy. This year, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) party, led by Asaduddin Owaisi, has entered the competition, particularly targeting the Okhla constituency—a key battleground with 250,000 voters.
Owaisi's campaign efforts have not gone unnoticed. Accusations of polarizing the elections by nominating candidates linked to riot-related cases have surfaced. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has openly criticized Owaisi, cautioning against divisive tactics.
"I dare him, to ever come to Okhla, and walk on these streets. Then he will know how people live here," Owaisi remarked, challenging perceptions and defending his campaign's intentions.
The Okhla constituency's election campaign is centered on pressing issues such as poor sanitation, inadequate water supply, and overall developmental needs. Shadab Hussain, son of Tahir Hussain, has taken an active role in advocating for his father's candidacy. He describes the campaign process as "really overwhelming," reflecting the high stakes attached to this electoral contest.
For many supporters, including family members of the candidates, this election is personal. Nooreen Fatima, Rehman's wife, has been vocal about the struggles faced by their family due to his incarceration.
"Fighting for your rights, my husband has been in jail for nearly five years," Nooreen Fatima stated, emphasizing the emotional toll and her resolve to continue advocating for justice.
The sentiment resonates with others who see Rehman and Hussain's campaigns as part of a larger struggle for dignity and self-respect.
"It is not about winning or losing. It’s about proving that we want our self-respect and our dignity. We won’t bow before anyone," Shifa ur Rehman declared, capturing the essence of their campaign ethos.
As election day approaches, the contest between the BJP and AAP intensifies, with both parties keenly aware of Okhla's significance in determining broader electoral outcomes. The AIMIM's involvement adds another layer of complexity, potentially reshaping voter dynamics in this critical seat.
Nasruddin Shah, a prominent supporter of Rehman, articulated the broader implications of their potential victory.
"When we win, people unjustly imprisoned for years win with us," Shah asserted, highlighting the symbolic victory that extends beyond individual candidates.
The Delhi election serves as a microcosm of larger national debates around citizenship, rights, and identity. The campaigns of Rehman and Hussain illustrate how local elections can become arenas for challenging narratives and advocating for marginalized communities.
"The government’s arrogance needs to be shattered. Shifa is one of us and he fought for us," Nasruddin Shah emphasized, underscoring the personal connection and collective aspirations tied to Rehman's candidacy.
For those involved in these campaigns, the stakes are profoundly personal. Nooreen Fatima reflects on the time lost during her husband's imprisonment.
"Five years is a very long time: imagine five Eids, five Ramzans [Ramadans], five birthdays, without Shifa," she shared, conveying both the pain of separation and her undeterred commitment to justice.
