Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI — The Okhla Assembly seat, once a Congress stronghold, has seen a political transformation in recent years, thanks to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Amanatullah Khan. With the Delhi Assembaly elections just around the corner, all eyes are on Okhla, a constituency that has made headlines not only for its political shifts but also for the months-long protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC). Khan, who has represented the seat since 2015, is seeking a third consecutive term, but whether he can replicate his previous successes remains to be seen.
The Okhla constituency has witnessed significant political developments over the years. Once loyal to the Congress Party, the seat has become a stronghold of the AAP, with Khan winning elections in both 2015 and 2020. However, this time around, the dynamics seem to be shifting. While the AAP continues to field Khan as its candidate, his candidacy is not without challenges. There are signs that some voters in Okhla, particularly those in the Shaheen Bagh area, have grown disillusioned with the current AAP government. Additionally, Khan’s tenure as chairman of the Delhi Waqf Board has been marred by allegations of corruption and mismanagement, with investigations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) hanging over him.
Despite these controversies, Khan remains a formidable contender, and some political observers suggest he could still have the upper hand in the upcoming elections. His association with the Shaheen Bagh protests, which were pivotal in shaping the political landscape of Okhla, might still win him the support of a significant portion of the electorate, especially among the Muslim community. Approximately 55% of Okhla’s population is Muslim, and the political climate in the area has traditionally favoured Muslim candidates.
The political environment in Okhla has become more complex in recent years. The AAP, traditionally seen as a party of secularism, has made a noticeable shift towards soft Hindutva, a strategy that has alienated some sections of the electorate. This change in stance is evident not only in the party’s rhetoric but also in its appeal to broader segments of Delhi’s population. For Khan, the question now is whether his connection to the protests, his reputation within the Muslim community, and the AAP’s shifting policies can help him secure another victory in this volatile seat.
While Khan remains the AAP’s candidate for the third consecutive time, the contest has become more competitive with other parties fielding strong contenders. The Congress Party, which traditionally dominated Okhla, has put forward Areeba Khan as its candidate, while the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) has selected Shafiur Rehman. Despite being incarcerated, Rehman’s candidacy could still stir interest among the electorate, especially in the Muslim-majority areas of Okhla. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), too, has made its presence felt by fielding Manish Chaudhary, a candidate with roots in the local community.
In the 2020 Delhi Assembly elections, Khan secured a commanding victory, obtaining 66.03% of the vote. His nearest competitor, BJP’s Brahma Singh, trailed far behind with 29.65%, while Congress’s Pervez Hashmi could only manage 12.59%. Similarly, in 2015, Khan had triumphed with 62.57% of the vote, leaving BJP’s Brahma Singh in second place with just 23.84%.
Okhla is located in East Delhi, and its boundaries encompass a diverse range of areas, including Madanpur Khadar, Khizrabad, Jasola, Aali, and Taimur Nagar. The region has a rich history of political activism, particularly with the rise of the Aam Aadmi Party. Over the years, Amanatullah Khan has come to symbolise this political shift, especially in the aftermath of the 2019-2020 anti-CAA protests. Khan’s ability to galvanise support from the Muslim community, who make up more than half of Okhla’s population, has been key to his electoral success.
As the political battle intensifies, it remains to be seen whether Khan’s past successes will be enough to secure him another victory in this closely-watched constituency. The AAP’s performance, particularly in the wake of its controversial soft Hindutva shift, may be a decisive factor in the upcoming elections. At the same time, his association with the Shaheen Bagh protests continues to serve as both an advantage and a challenge. For many voters in Okhla, Khan represents the voice of resistance against the controversial NRC and CAA laws. However, there are also those who view his tenure as an opportunity for change, but with concerns about his leadership style.
While Khan faces a divided electorate, the competition from Congress, AIMIM, and BJP cannot be underestimated. Each of these parties has fielded candidates who have strong ties to the local community, and the result in Okhla could hinge on how effectively these contenders can capitalise on discontent with the current political leadership.
As Amanatullah Khan prepares for the upcoming elections, the political fate of Okhla will once again come under intense scrutiny. The outcome of this election, expected on February 8, 2025, could serve as a bellwether for the broader political dynamics of Delhi and its changing relationship with the AAP.
The Okhla Assembly seat continues to be one of the most contested constituencies in Delhi, with multiple factors influencing the political equations. As the electoral battle heats up, Amanatullah Khan’s prospects will depend on how he navigates controversies, secures his base in the Muslim community, and responds to the shifting political dynamics in the area. Whether he can continue his winning streak or face a challenge from the opposition remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Okhla will once again be at the heart of Delhi’s political landscape.
