Shifa-ur-Rahman Khan, the activist incarcerated under the draconian Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) over his alleged role in the 2020 Delhi riots, is contesting the February 5 Delhi Assembly elections from the Okhla constituency on All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) ticket. In an interview with Waquar Hasan/Clarion India, his wife Noorain Fatma talks about his election campaign. She also dwells at length on other issues, her jailed husband and allegations against him.
Q: Despite having no experience in politics and languishing in jail for about five years, why did Shifa-ur-Rahman Khan decide to contest the assembly elections?
A: He has indeed no political background. But we are a part of this society. If you switch on news channels today, there is politics all around. Politics is part of our life. Of course, we don’t have experience but we are not gullible people. It is not that Shifa-ur-Rahman does not know anything about this. In the past, he had very much interest in politics. We take these things and our other issues into account.
As far as Owaisi Sahab (AIMIM supremo) is accused of giving tickets to the riots accused, no big party wants to bet on freshers. They want big faces for their candidates as they don’t want to take any risks. But Owaisi Sahab took a risk by giving a ticket to us. There are two sides to the issue. On the one side, he wants to bet on the freshers and on the other, he also wants to help us by giving us a ticket. We got such a big platform. You are interviewing me. People are getting to know about Shifa. This is also a big thing that there is a person with the name of Shif-ur-Rahman in this world. He made this contribution. As long as the new party will not come up, the old party will keep playing games with us.
Q: What are the issues you are raising during the election campaign?
A: The biggest issue is that the education and health sectors did not improve. In the last ten years, the situation of Okhla got worse. In other parts of Delhi, no such good works were done as such. When these issues are raised, the state government abdicates its responsibilities saying these things are not under its jurisdiction. We want to focus on the education sector, equality for all and the injustices done to the people. These are the main issues. People are very worried about these things. Second, we also want to focus on the health sector and safety. Cameras should be installed at different places to ensure the safety of women. Free bus service is not enough for the safety of the women. There are other things also which need to be done.
As far as Kejriwal (AAP chief Arvind) is concerned, he remained silent on many important issues. But Owaisi Sahab tore up the copies of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in the parliament even though he was not in a strong position. Owaisi Sahab is more confident as compared to Kejriwal.
Q: You are campaigning for the first time. How is your experience?
A: It’s good and more than my expectation. I’m feeling good. People are encouraging me to do it. The biggest issue is that our opponent is spreading rumours saying Owaisi Sahab is the “B team” of the BJP. He is not arrested whatever he does. I don’t understand why Muslims target Muslims. We are targeting a man who is raising his voice for us and questioning why was he not arrested. It means every Muslim should be jailed. No one will speak up. This is a big foolishness. People of Okhla, who are educated, should note that he (Asaduddin Owaisi) is a qualified man and he speaks up with caution. He is a barrister. He is fully aware of where and what needs to be said. But some people ask why was he not arrested. These people want anyone who raises a voice like my husband should be put behind bars.
Q: Why did you choose AIMIM to contest the election?
A: AIMIM has extended its platform to us. We expected from the AIMIM that it will give a ticket to us. Other parties don’t want to take a risk and give tickets only to big candidates. But Owaisi Sahab is a daring person. He is committed to the welfare of the community. He gave tickets to those candidates who had the potential to excel in politics.
Q: How did Shifa-ur-Rahman’s imprisonment leave its impact on you?
A: It has left its impact on several aspects of life. If your husband is in jail for around five years, it will affect you emotionally and financially. The head of our house is away from home languishing in jail despite being innocent. Obviously, it will impact all aspects of life. We don’t celebrate Eids like a festival since his imprisonment. In all Eids, and Ramadan, we hope that Shifa will be us in the coming days. We hope that Allah will do better for us in the future. We are living with hope.
Q: What is your take on the allegations against him in relation to the Delhi riots?
A: All are baseless charges. Everybody knows that these are baseless charges. But no one is able to speak up. Show me footage where he is inciting riots. Where are the stones in his hand? Where did he speak any such thing in any speech or at any stage? Where are those provocative speeches which have the potential to cause riots? No one has any intention to incite riots. There were protests against a black law (CAA). The protest had suddenly erupted. My husband has nothing to do what happened after those protests.
Q: What are the major concerns Shifa has while languishing in jail?
A: Whenever I have talked to him in jail or during parole, I cry before him. He has always shown his concern for the community. He says that sacrifices don’t go in vain. Allah will make the situation better. In the future, the situation will get better. People are with me and understand me. If no one speaks up for justice, injustice and other evils will not go away from our society.
Q: We know about Shifa-ur-Rahman that he was the president of Jamia Millia Islamia Alumni Association. Apart from that, what were his engagements and activities?
A: He had always connections with Jamia, students of Jamia, and the people of Okhla. He had associated with them. He even started a scholarship which continues even now. He is a businessman and is in the construction field.
Q: What is your appeal and message for the people?
A: I want to appeal to the people to strengthen the hands of Owaisi Sahab. All other parties are strong. But why is Owaisi Sahab is always targeted if they don’t feel any threat from him? Why do they target Owaisi Sahab for fielding his party candidates?
Another thing is that I want to appeal to the people to vote wisely. Take into consideration how is the candidate before casting your vote. Making emotional speeches and issuing hollow statements will not resolve the various issues. They will be resolved if your issues are taken into account. Anyone who is elected MLA from your constituency will not be useful to you unless he/she takes into account your issues. Please also think about my husband, his sacrifices, nature, and difficulties.
Q: What do you have to say about the works of your rival candidates Amanatullah Khan and Congress candidate?
A: What should I say about them? Please see yourself what did they do? I won’t say anything about Amanatullah Sahab. There was an AAP government here. Congress had also not done good work. I think that new faces should be given a chance. At least, he (Shifa) should be given a chance once. If you gave a chance to others for 10 years despite being cheated, he should be given a chance at least once.
