The party’s decision to field Muslim representatives paid off handsomely, with a notable 100% strike rate
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – The Congress party has made a powerful impact in the 90-member Haryana assembly elections by fielding five Muslim candidates, all of whom secured victories with large margins. The results, announced on Tuesday, have smashed the prevailing assumption that the strike rate of winning Muslim candidates remains low, particularly within Congress’s electoral strategy. The success of these candidates demonstrates that the party’s decision to field Muslim representatives paid off handsomely, with a notable 100% strike rate.
Congress fielded five Muslim candidates, a bold move considering past trends where Muslims have historically struggled to win significant support. However, Monday’s outcome has taken political observers by surprise, with all five securing their seats and negating the assumption of a low strike rate for Muslim candidates.
Mamam Khan’s Record Victory
Among the victors, Maman Khan, representing Ferozepur Jharka constituency, emerged as the candidate with the largest victory margin across the state, securing a massive win by 98,441 votes. This victory not only reinforced his popularity but also served as a major setback for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), whose candidate Naseem Ahmed could only garner 32,056 votes. Maman Khan’s total votes reached an impressive 130,497, making him the standout candidate in terms of margin. His victory was particularly noteworthy given that he had been targeted by the BJP during last year’s communal riots.
“This victory is not just a win for me, but for the people of Ferozepur Jharka who have shown their faith in Congress and our shared vision for the future,” said Khan.
Aftab Ahmed Wins Again
Aftab Ahmed, the Congress candidate from Nuh, was the first to be declared victorious in the entire state. His total vote count stood at 91,833, giving him a comfortable lead over his closest rival, Tahir Hussain of the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD), who garnered 44,870 votes. The BJP candidate, on the other hand, managed to secure only 15,000 votes.
In an election marked by diverse political voices, Ahmed’s victory stood out as a key moment, marking his second consecutive win and fourth overall since his first victory in 1985.
Reflecting on his victory, Ahmed commented, “This is a win for every individual in Nuh who believes in secularism and harmony. Congress is the party that brings together all communities, and I will continue to serve with dedication.”
Ilyas is Panhana Choice
Congress candidate Muhammad Ilyas also achieved a resounding victory in Panhana. This marked his fifth overall electoral win and his third from Panhana, where he triumphed with a margin of 31,916 votes. Ilyas secured 85,300 votes, while his closest rival, Rais Khan, an independent, obtained 53,384 votes. Despite fielding a Muslim candidate in the form of Muhammad Ejaz Khan, the BJP was unable to muster significant support, with him receiving only 5,000 votes.
Speaking after his victory, Ilyas said, “This win is a testament to the power of unity. Panhana has stood by me once again, and I will continue to work hard for the betterment of all my constituents.”
Comeback in Hathan
In Hathan, Muhammad Israel of Congress managed to secure a victory after decades of the party’s absence from the winner’s circle. Israel, who was in second place in the 2019 elections, took the lead this time with 79,907 votes, beating his BJP rival Manoj Kumar by a margin of 32,396 votes. This victory is particularly important as the Congress last won this seat in 1991, making it a major comeback for the party.
“This win is historic not just for me but for the Congress party in Hathan. After 30 years, the people have chosen us again, and we won’t let them down,” said an elated Israel.
Tough Fight in Jagadhari
Among the Congress Muslim candidates, Akram Khan from Jagadhari faced the most challenging battle. Despite the tough competition, he emerged victorious with 67,403 votes, beating his BJP opponent Kanwar Pal, who secured 60,535 votes. Akram Khan’s win is especially noteworthy as Kanwar Pal had been successful in the last two elections. However, Khan, who had previously served as deputy speaker and minister of state for home affairs, made a strong comeback this time around.
“Jagadhari has shown its belief in progressive leadership. This is not just my victory but the victory of the people’s voice,” Akram Khan stated.
The results have proven that Congress’s decision to field five Muslim candidates was sound. All five candidates not only won their constituencies but did so by significant margins. Maman Khan’s overwhelming victory margin stands as a testament to the growing support for Muslim representation in the state.
Additionally, Muslim candidates from rival parties, including INLD’s Tahir Hussain, BJP’s Naseem Ahmed, and independent candidate Rais Khan, were all defeated by Congress’s candidates. This 100% strike rate for Muslim candidates in Haryana is a rare occurrence in the state’s political history.
As the results were announced, Congress leaders hailed the success as a sign of growing secularism and the party’s commitment to representing all communities. The victory of all five Muslim candidates marks a significant milestone in Haryana’s political landscape, reflecting a shift in voter sentiment and a renewed focus on inclusive politics.
The unprecedented 100% strike rate for its Muslim candidates shows that the party’s strategic decisions and commitment to inclusivity resonated with the electorate. Each of the five candidates won with considerable margins, symbolising a shift in political dynamics and offering a fresh perspective on the future of Congress in the region.
