Jalaluddin, a Muslim resident of Mangalia Mohalla in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer, has filed his nomination, reflecting his unwavering love for participating in elections despite repeated defeats
NEW DELHI/JAISALMER — A Muslim youth from a small locality in Rajasthan has drawn attention nationwide after filing his nomination papers for one of the highest constitutional posts in India — the Vice President — despite having a history of electoral defeats.
On Monday, 38-year-old Jalaluddin, a resident of Mangalia Mohalla in Jaisalmer district, reached the Rajya Sabha to submit his nomination papers for the Vice President’s post. The position fell vacant following the resignation of Jagdeep Dhankhar, and elections are scheduled for 9 September. The Election Commission has fixed 21 August as the last date for filing nominations.
Jalaluddin deposited a sum of ₹15,000 as the required fee to the Election Commission. Although his candidacy may face procedural challenges, his action reflects his determination to take part in the country’s democratic processes.
Speaking to the media, Jalaluddin said plainly, “I am fond of contesting elections. I know that my nomination will be rejected, still I filed nomination because I like to be a part of the process.”
Jalaluddin’s connection to elections goes back many years. His first political attempt was in 2009, when he contested for Ward Panch from Asutar Bandha Panchayat in his village. He lost by just one vote, a defeat that he still remembers.
In 2013, he filed his nomination for the Jaisalmer Assembly seat, and in 2014, for the Barmer–Jaisalmer Lok Sabha seat. On both occasions, he withdrew before the polls.
He also revealed his desire to stand for student union elections during his academic life, but age restrictions kept him away from the ballot. “I try to participate in elections at every level, even if there is no possibility of winning,” he said.
Currently, Jalaluddin is pursuing studies at Haridev Joshi Journalism University in Jaipur, balancing academics with his enduring passion for politics. His story stands out in an era where politics is often seen as the domain of the powerful and wealthy, dominated by major parties and their networks.
While some mock his repeated failures, others see his persistence as a sign of genuine democratic spirit — something often missing in the country’s political environment. Many in his community feel proud that someone from their background is at least trying to reach the highest offices in the land.
Mohammad Aslam, a shopkeeper from Mangalia Mohalla, told Clarion India, “People laugh at him, but at least he is trying. Muslims in villages like ours hardly get a chance to even speak in politics, forget contesting for Vice President.”
In a political climate where many Muslims feel sidelined, Jalaluddin’s move has resonated with his locality. Some locals view it as a symbolic step — proof that even those without political backing can still claim space in the democratic process.
Rashida Begum, a neighbour, said, “He lost by one vote as Panch, yet he is standing for Vice President. This shows that he is not afraid of losing, and that is what politics should be about.”
With the Vice President’s election dominated by political heavyweights, it is unlikely that Jalaluddin’s name will remain in the race for long. However, his nomination has sparked conversations about the role of ordinary citizens in national politics and the barriers that minority communities face in reaching higher office.
As the deadline for nominations draws closer, Jalaluddin returns to his village with no illusions but with his head held high. “Winning or losing is not in my hands,” he said, “but participating is my right, and I will keep doing it.”